Rob Dickinson: “Oceans” lyrics

And now for something a little more modern than the past few entries!

For an article I’m writing, I was looking for the lyrics for the song “Oceans” from Rob Dickinson — formerly of the very extraordinary band The Catherine Wheel. I couldn’t find them, so I transcribed them myself. (Hey, if someone’s not going to do your job for you, sometimes you just have to suck it up and do it yourself.)

No disclaimers as to how perfectly correct these are — I did my best, going from the album, live recordings and two in-person performances (see above).

As far as I can see, you and I are valentines for all we know
As far as I can see, you already bear the scars of love

These are the loaded words
Spoken in coded terms
If spoken at all

I’m outside your tower, baby — I can set you free
What’s it gonna take to make you love me?
I’ll do all that’s necessary — tell me what you need
What’s it gonna take to make you love me?
Flowers on flowers? Love and devotion?
Hours and hours staring at the ocean?

As far as I can tell, you are well
But I’m not sure that’s all you’re after
As far as I can tell, you’re still running from the arms of love

Love is a loaded word
Spoken in coded terms
If spoken at all

I’m outside your tower, baby — I can set you free
What’s it gonna take to make you love me?
I’ll do all that’s necessary — tell me what you need
What’s it gonna take to make you love me?
Flowers on flowers? Love and devotion?
Hours and hours staring at the ocean?

But some words carve through true
I’m still in love with you
Like the ocean…

Ocean’s a perfect word
Spoken in perfect terms
If spoken at all

I’m outside your tower, baby — I can set you free
What’s it gonna take to make you love me?
I’ll do all that’s necessary — tell me what you need
What’s it gonna take to make you love me?
Flowers on flowers? Love and devotion?
Hours and hours staring at the ocean?

Staring at the ocean…

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“Oceans” is on Rob Dickinson’s album Fresh Wine for the Horses