Song Analysis

This abstract song is a tale of sedimentary rebirth leading to feelings of awakening, togetherness and then separation. The first few times I listened to ‘Transatlanticism’, I was inexplicably left with these juxtaposed feelings of energetic hope but also longing and heartache. After a while the music’s true story became clear. Written by band members Ben Gibbard and Chris Walla, The complexity is as intriguing as it is addicting.

The title is referenced in the first lines, the word transatlanticism is defined as the relationship and alliance between Britain and America. Already, we are looking at a binary relationship between two entities separated by distance. I will make the leap and say this is the narrator and a loved one whether family, friend or partner. The melodious ballad begins with the words, “The Atlantic was born today, and i’ll tell you how / The clouds above opened up and let it out.” The story of rebirth begins with and ocean falling from above the clouds almost as if from the heavens.

The story of rebirth begins with and ocean falling from above the clouds almost as if from the heavens.

This author who was once alone is now greeted by rain. Rain often symbolizes renewal, cleansing or relief. He sings, “I was standing on the surface of a perforated sphere / When the water filled every hole / And thousands upon thousands made and ocean / Making islands where no island should go, oh no.” The author is the earth and his love is the water. Perforated meaning pierced, implies being wounded in an aggressive manner. Love can feel like two halfs making a whole and Gibbard and Walla expressed it so sublimey. This person fills every past wound with his/her warmth.

The thousands are likely raindrops but who and where is this island? If someone is an island it typically means they are alone with what they believe. We’ve reached this divine togetherness but in its wake find certain conflicting ideologies that are not adding up. You may be able to fill every hole but can you climb every mountain?

We’ve reached this divine togetherness but in its wake find certain conflicting ideologies

A seed of worry planted in the midst of a tidal wave of warmth can lead to internal strife. A quivering voice says, “Most people were overjoyed, they took to their boats / I thought it less like a lake, and more like a moat.” The people could be referring to real people in his life but to me it’s more likely these are the parts of himself in this internal conflict. Most of him is thrilled to be out on the open seas but that worried part of him is starting to feel trapped.

Moats are deep, water filled ditches surrounding a castle. They are used for defense against an attacking enemy. We see walls in the relationship are starting to shoot up. You can be in love with someone while being detached and distrustful of them simultaneously.

The listener feels the absence expressed by the narrator. It hurts to be close but it hurts to be away. “The rhythm of my footsteps crossing flatlands to your door / Have been silenced forevermore / The distance is quite simply much to far for me to row / It seems farther than ever before, oh no.’ The relationship decrescendos but the love remains leaving a subsequent desolate heart.

It hurts to be close but it hurts to be away

What once was a breezy walk is now a treacherous fight upstream. The connection that was once an arms length away is now nowhere to be found. The narrator is working harder and harder for this connection to remain but eventually there’s a point where there’s nothing you can do and love may not be enough.

Just because you need someone to be in your life the way you want them to be doesn’t mean they will be. The narrator leaves us with a haunting chant that sinks in deeper and deeper as the repetition persists. “I need you so much closer / I need you so much closer.” Over and over again, calling out for him/her, please come home, but there is nothing to be done. They will never find their way back to where they once were. Time is a fickle mistress and will push forward despite every effort to push her back.

Overall, sometimes people are not meant to be together or there are things out of their control that keep them apart. This doesn’t mean there is no hope of love but that there will always be pain with it,so is the yin and yang of life. Rebirth can be gut-wrenching but will always lead to a brighter beginning.