How Deep Is the Ocean (How High Is the Sky)

Song Meaning

Diana Krall's rendition of "How Deep Is the Ocean (How High Is the Sky)" isn't just a simple profession of love; it's an exploration of love's immeasurable nature. The song meaning resides in the almost childlike wonder with which the singer grapples with the enormity of her emotions. The lyrics sidestep direct declarations, instead opting for a series of rhetorical questions that paint a vivid picture of boundless affection. The repeated inquiries aren't meant to be answered literally, but rather to illustrate the unquantifiable depths of her feelings. The ocean's depth and the sky's height become metaphors for the limitlessness of love itself. It's a clever move, avoiding cliché by embracing the abstract. The song's gentle questioning also hints at a vulnerability beneath the surface. The line, "And if I ever lost you, how much would I cry?" introduces a subtle undercurrent of anxiety, a fear of loss that underscores the intensity of the present love. This isn't just a celebration of affection; it's an acknowledgment of the potential pain that comes with such deep connection. The dew-kissed roses, while seemingly innocent, contribute to this delicate balance. They represent beauty and fragility, mirroring the preciousness of the relationship and the ever-present possibility of its fading. Ultimately, Krall's interpretation of "How Deep Is the Ocean" transcends a simple love song. It's a meditation on the human capacity for profound emotion, the simultaneous joy and fear that accompany deep connection. The song meaning is not about finding definitive answers, but rather about embracing the mystery and vastness of love. The structure of the lyrics, with their cyclical return to the central questions, reinforces this idea. Love, like the ocean and the sky, remains an enigma, forever challenging us to measure its depths and heights.