Tides of Torment | Salt And The Sea | The Lumineers

The song 'Salt and the Sea' by American folk rock band The Lumineers is a hauntingly beautiful, but at the same time a deeply ambiguous composition. It belongs to the band's third album titled 'III.' This article will delve into the possible meanings and influences behind this enigmatic piece of music.

'III' is an album that is heavily centered around the story of a fictional family; the Sparks. Within this narrative, 'Salt and the Sea' serves as a crucial piece that beautifully yet somberly reflects the tragedies and conflicts that mark the family's tale.

'Salt and the Sea', in essence, is a song about suffering, despair, and the struggle with addiction. A recurring theme throughout the album, it deals with the devastating impact this disease can have on an individual and those around them. The raw lyrics paired with a melancholy piano riff create a haunting atmosphere that perfectly captures the bleak, yet powerful message of the song.

The song, through its lyrics, describes the tumultuous journey of an individual in the throws of addiction. The line, "could it be I was the one that you held so deep in the night?" highlights the feeling of abandonment and separation that often accompanies addiction, while the chorus "don't you love me on the sly?..." captures the desperation and desire for acceptance that is often felt by those affected.

The symbolism of the title itself, 'Salt and the Sea', invites multiple interpretations. Salt and sea are both inextricable, yet too much salt can make the sea uninhabitable, hinting at the destructive nature of addiction.

Moreover, the sea can be viewed as a metaphor for the subconscious mind, where one is lost in the vast expanse of one's inner life, grappling with feelings of loneliness and regret. In the same way, salt, a historically valued but potentially harmful substance, could symbolize the intoxicating allure of addiction and its corrosive effects.

'III' is interestingly presented in a cinematic format, with the video for 'Salt and the Sea' serving as the closing chapter in a series of music videos that together create a short film. This cements the narrative, reinforcing the themes of generational trauma and the destructive power of addiction.

The Lumineers’ poetic songwriting style allows for multiple interpretations, which adds to the richness and depth of 'Salt and the Sea'. It may be ambiguous, but what remains clear is its exploration of human emotions and experiences, making it a memorable and thought-provoking piece of music.

So to truly appreciate 'Salt and the Sea', one needs to place it within the context of the whole album. Listening to it from start to finish, the listener is taken on a journey that is as compelling as it is heartbreaking.