"Ocean Eyes" by Billie Eilish, while seemingly simple on the surface, delves into the complexities of intense attraction and the overwhelming feeling of falling deeply in love, possibly for the first time. The lyrics, though seemingly straightforward, employ symbolism and imagery to create a sense of depth and mystery. Let's break down the key elements:

The "Ocean Eyes" Metaphor: This is the central image, and it's multifaceted. "Ocean eyes" aren't literally blue eyes; they represent something deeper and more profound. The ocean is vast, mysterious, alluring, and potentially dangerous. This reflects the intensity of the feelings the singer experiences:

• Depth and Mystery: The ocean's depths represent the unknowable aspects of the person she's attracted to, the mysteries that draw her in.
• Allure and Beauty: The beauty and mesmerizing quality of the ocean mirror the captivating nature of her love interest.
• Danger and Overwhelm: The potential for drowning or being lost in the ocean symbolizes the overwhelming, almost terrifying nature of this powerful emotion. The singer feels both drawn to and terrified by the intensity of her feelings.

Verse 1: The initial observation, "I've been watching you for some time," sets a tone of quiet obsession. The juxtaposition of "burning cities and napalm skies" with "ocean eyes" creates a stark contrast. The "burning cities" might represent the turmoil and chaos within the singer herself, her internal world being consumed by this intense emotion. The fifteen flares suggest the magnitude and intensity of her feelings, exploding within her.

Verse 2: This verse shifts the focus slightly. "Walking through a world gone blind" suggests a feeling of disorientation and alienation, as if the world around her is insignificant compared to her feelings for this person. The "diamond mind" is a metaphor for the person's intellect, brilliance, and perhaps even a certain coldness or inaccessibility. The line "Careful creature made friends with time" hints at someone wise beyond their years, perhaps even someone aloof or detached. This adds another layer to the complexity of the relationship.

The Chorus: This is the emotional core of the song, emphasizing the unfairness of the situation, the overwhelming nature of her feelings ("I've never fallen from quite this high"), and the fear of this intense emotion. The repetition emphasizes the power of these "ocean eyes" over her.

The Bridge: The bridge contains what appears to be backwards or reversed lyrics, a common musical technique to add an element of mystery and intrigue. The gibberish enhances the feeling of being lost in these overwhelming emotions. The interspersed "da-da-da" sections act as a rhythmic counterpoint to the lyrics, adding to the almost hypnotic effect. These reversed parts seem to emphasize the feelings from earlier sections: falling from high, being scared.

Overall: "Ocean Eyes" is less about a specific narrative and more about a feeling, a state of being completely captivated and overwhelmed by a person. The song masterfully uses poetic imagery to convey the intense and often contradictory emotions of new, all-consuming love, combining beauty with fear, fascination with apprehension. The use of metaphors, repetition, and the musical arrangement all contribute to create a powerful and evocative listening experience.