Behold The Sea

Waterboys · Other Songs - Waterboys

I woke up in the morning

stripped down my sheets

I put on my clothes, stepped into my shoes

tumbled into the street

The daylight was shimmering

and the ghost of a breeze

was rattling flagpoles

and whispering through the trees

"that was the river

this is the sea"



I went down to the station

I ran all across town

but the streets were all empty and the markets were closed

there was no-one around

I wandered like a phantom down alleys and passageways

heavy with history

I heard nothing but silence

silently saying to me

"that was the river

this is the sea"



Found myself at the highway

trucks thundering by

pillars and pylons

pointing away up at the sky

cars hissing like visions

bikes buzzing like bees

freight hurtling and moving

but not moving me

That was the river

this is the sea



I slipped into the cathedral

it was quiet and cool

the air was humming with incense

the windows were studded with jewels

there was a stained glass image of Jesus

shining in front of me

haloed and bleeding, surrounded by children

and shining in front of me

and as I walked out

I was still saying "that was the river"

I was still saying "this is the sea"



I went down to the harbour

stepped out in the rain

with a song in my head

and the blood pounding in my veins

I went down to the harbour

fell on my knee

for at the end of all roaming

I found You in me

That was the river

This is the sea

Behold The Sea

Released by The Waterboys in 1987, 'Behold The Sea' stands as a defining track from their debut album, A Pagan Place. The song exemplifies the band's unique fusion of punk energy, folk instrumentation, and theatrical vocal delivery, establishing their signature sound that would influence countless alternative and indie acts. With its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics, the recording captures the raw, unpolished aesthetic of the late 1980s British music scene. It remains a staple of their discography, often cited as a key moment in the evolution of shoegaze and post-punk revival styles. The track's enduring popularity highlights The Waterboys' ability to blend complex musical structures with accessible, emotionally resonant songwriting.