Story Behind The Song

The song was lyrically influenced by Dido's "White Flag" and The Beautiful South's "I'll Sail This Ship Alone", although musically it does not closely resemble those artists' compositions.

Song Description

The metaphor of a boat on a treacherous sea is used to describe a relationship suffering from unbearable strain and disagreement. The singer suggests that perhaps he and his partner should quit trying to fight indifferences doomed to lack of resolve and just "bring this boat to shore" - throw in the towel, give it up and maybe try again with less abandon when things look promising again.

Lyrics

It's gotten quite a bit colder outside
Since the love that was between us has started to die
And I'm too tired to fight this tide
Let's bring this boat to shore

Bright and sunny when we went aboard
Not a cloud in the sky and the weather was warm
But lately we can't seem to steer out of this storm
Let's bring this boat to shore

I never imagined when we first set sail
That the waves would get so treacherous and pin us to the rails
We've been caught up in and tossed within the wind and hail
And the motion of this ride is making me ill

I'm too weak to fight this storm
Let's bring this boat to shore
Not a life-raft left anywhere on this craft
Let's bring this boat to shore

I'm too damn weak to fight anymore
Let's bring this boat to shore
Waves are crashing against and we've lost anchor
Let's bring this boat to shore

And once we're home and we're dry again
The water will settle to a calm again
And if we ever decide that we should get back in
Let's stay within sight of the land

Let's stay within sight of the land
The dock and the pier and the sand
Let's stay within sight of the land

I'm too damn weak to fight this storm
Let's bring this boat to shore
We're wrecked and we're headed for the ocean's floor
Let's bring this boat to shore...
...let's see if we can bring her to shore...