Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of looking back, contrasting a simpler, love-filled past with the inevitable hardships of life. The opening verse recalls a time when basic needs were met, but the presence of a loved one and a beautiful sunset were enough. This idyllic memory serves as a benchmark for what felt like true contentment, where the joy of the present overshadowed any potential future struggles. The chorus, with its slight variations, reinforces this core idea: good times were so overwhelmingly positive that the bad seemed distant or nonexistent. The song then shifts to acknowledge the present's weight. The narrator urges a deep breath and a significant promise, suggesting a need for resilience in the face of overwhelming circumstances. The mention of friends and family disappearing introduces a profound sense of loss and grief, noting how life continues despite these absences. This stark reality contrasts sharply with the earlier, carefree recollection, highlighting the emotional toll of growing older and experiencing mortality firsthand. The imagery of paddling out into the "wild blue" and being "washed off the world" offers a powerful escape mechanism. This act of engaging with nature, specifically the ocean, provides solace and a temporary reprieve from pain. The "winter swell" and the water acting like a "coat" suggest a comforting, enveloping experience, further enhanced by memories of a past love. This connection to nature and memory allows the narrator to "lose time and space," a deliberate act of seeking peace amidst ongoing sorrow. Ultimately, the lyrics grapple with the passage of time and the evolution of self. The mirror reflection in the final verse poses a direct, introspective question about fulfillment and happiness with the life lived. The recurring chorus, especially the final iteration, "Bad times come what may," acknowledges that while good times can offer temporary relief, the presence of adversity is a constant. The effectiveness lies in this honest portrayal of memory as both a comfort and a stark reminder of what has been lost, and the ongoing struggle to find peace in the face of inevitable change.