
Ocean Eyes is a well-known song by Billie Eilish, which was released in 2015 when she was just 13 or 14 years old. The song is about a dreamy love letter to a crush with ocean eyes, and the lyrics describe the singer's vulnerable emotions and the intensity of her feelings. The phrase ocean eyes is used to describe beautiful eyes, typically blue eyes, and the song explores the idea of eyes as a window to the soul. While the song may sound like a soothing ballad, it contains sharp edges and violent imagery, such as references to warfare and attacks on civilians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Billie Eilish |
| Songwriter | Finneas |
| Genre | Pop, dream-pop, synth-pop, indie-pop, R&B ballad |
| Mood | Vulnerable, Atmospheric, Moody |
| Tempo | 145 beats per minute |
| Key | E minor |
| Vocal range | E3 to B5 |
| Lyrics | "I've been watching you for some time/Can't stop staring at those ocean eyes/Burning cities and napalm skies/Fifteen flares inside those ocean eyes/Your ocean eyes" |
| Interpretation | The singer is drawn to her lover's eyes, but the relationship is not healthy. The lover uses their eyes to seduce and manipulate the singer. |
| Debut | November 18, 2015 |
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What You'll Learn

Billie Eilish's 'Ocean Eyes' lyrics analysis
"Ocean Eyes" is a well-known song by Billie Eilish, which was released in 2015 when she was just 13 years old. It was initially released on SoundCloud and commercially released the following year as the lead single from her debut EP, "Don't Smile at Me". The song was written and produced by her brother, Finneas O'Connell, who originally wrote it for his band, The Slightlys.
The lyrics of "Ocean Eyes" paint a picture of a mesmerising and bewitching love interest with eyes that the singer can't stop staring into. The song explores the power dynamics in the relationship, with the addressee's "ocean eyes" having a seductive hold over the singer, reducing her to an emotional mess. The second verse shifts the focus to the addressee's "diamond mind", reflecting on the idea that the eyes are a window to the soul. The song also contains violent imagery, with references to ""napalm skies" and "burning cities" conjuring a landscape of warfare.
Despite its dreamy and vulnerable tone, "Ocean Eyes" hints at the dangers of falling in love, suggesting a tempestuous and manipulative relationship. The singer is aware of the trouble that lies within those "ocean eyes", yet she is unable to look away. This internal conflict adds depth to the song, showcasing Eilish's talent for conveying complex emotions through her music.
"Ocean Eyes" received critical acclaim for its composition and lyrical content, with praise for its haunting lyrics, simple musical arrangement, and Eilish's soulful vocals. The song's maturity, paired with childish ideals, struck a chord with listeners, contributing to its viral success and establishing Billie Eilish as a household name.
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The meaning of 'ocean eyes' as a phrase
The phrase "ocean eyes" is most notably the title of a song by Billie Eilish. The song was written by her brother, Finneas, for his band, but he thought it would sound better in his sister's voice. The song was released on SoundCloud in 2015, and later re-released in 2016 as the lead single on Eilish's debut EP, "Don't Smile at Me".
In the context of the song, "ocean eyes" is used to describe the eyes of the singer's lover. The phrase is used to convey the depth and intensity of the singer's feelings, as well as the sense of being overwhelmed or drowning in their emotions. The lyrics suggest that the singer is captivated by their lover's eyes, but there is also a sense of danger and manipulation in the relationship.
Beyond the song, the phrase "ocean eyes" is often used to describe beautiful eyes that resemble the colour and depth of the ocean. This can specifically refer to blue eyes, as the ocean is commonly associated with the colour blue.
The phrase can also be interpreted more figuratively, suggesting that the eyes are like oceans in their ability to reflect emotion and depth of character. In this sense, "ocean eyes" can convey a sense of mystery, intrigue, and complexity.
Overall, the phrase "ocean eyes" evokes a range of associations, from the beauty and depth of the ocean to the intensity and complexity of human emotions.
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The danger of opening your eyes in the ocean
Opening your eyes underwater can be a dangerous act, and not just because of the risk of drowning. The ocean is a hostile environment for our eyes, with a higher salt content than our eyes, saline drops, or even our tears. This salt draws water out of our eyes, drying them out and causing a stinging sensation. While the salt itself is generally safe, the water could still contain bacteria that could cause an infection, and sand or other irritants could cause a pterygium to develop.
The dangers of opening your eyes in the ocean are not just physical but also emotional. Billie Eilish's song "Ocean Eyes" explores the idea of being seduced and manipulated by someone with "ocean eyes". The song describes the power that a person with "ocean eyes" can hold over another, with the ability to make the singer cry and reduce them to an emotional mess. It highlights the dangerous and tempestuous nature of adoration and the potential for an unhealthy relationship dynamic.
The expression "ocean eyes" often describes beautiful eyes, typically with a blue colour that resembles the ocean. However, in the context of Eilish's song, the term takes on a deeper meaning. The "ocean eyes" become a metaphor for the allure and intrigue of the person being addressed in the song. The singer is drawn to these "ocean eyes," unable to stop looking even though they sense trouble and unhappiness in the relationship.
The impact of opening one's eyes in the ocean, both physically and emotionally, can be profound. Physically, the high salt content and potential bacteria can cause discomfort and even infection. Emotionally, the allure of "ocean eyes" can lead to complex and manipulative relationship dynamics. Thus, the act of opening one's eyes underwater can have unexpected consequences, revealing a world that is not always pleasant or safe.
In conclusion, the danger of opening your eyes in the ocean is twofold. Firstly, the high salt content and potential irritants can cause physical discomfort and eye issues. Secondly, the metaphorical "ocean eyes" of another person can lead to emotional manipulation and complex relationship dynamics. Thus, caution should be exercised when venturing into the ocean, both in terms of protecting one's physical eyesight and guarding one's emotional state against potential pitfalls.
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Owl City's 'Ocean Eyes' and its double meaning
Ocean Eyes by Owl City is a song that has a double meaning. On the surface, the song appears to be about a person with beautiful blue eyes, often associated with the colour of the ocean. This interpretation is supported by the lyrics, "I've been watching you for some time/Can't stop staring at those ocean eyes".
However, some fans have interpreted the song as a reference to Adam Young, the singer's shyness, introversion, and insecurity. The song, in this interpretation, is a message to his record label and new listeners that he is more than what meets the eye. It is a way for Young to express his creativity, humour, talent, and dedication to his craft, which may not be immediately apparent to those who only see him as a 22-year-old introvert.
The song Ocean Eyes by Owl City thus has two levels of meaning: one centred on the physical appearance of someone with captivating blue eyes, and the other reflecting the singer's inner world and his desire to be seen beyond his outward persona.
Furthermore, the song's imagery of "ocean eyes" can evoke a sense of drowning, suggesting that the singer is emotionally overwhelmed by the object of their affection. This interpretation aligns with the idea of eyes as a window to the soul, reflecting the inner thoughts and emotions of the person.
In addition to the double meaning of the song's title, it is worth noting that the ocean has long been romanticised and associated with dreamy, ethereal adventures. This imagery adds to the allure of the song and contributes to its overall appeal.
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The violent imagery in Billie Eilish's 'Ocean Eyes'
Billie Eilish's "Ocean Eyes" is a dreamy ballad about falling in love. However, the lyrics contain violent imagery, which hints at a tempestuous and dangerous relationship.
The song's addressee has "ocean eyes" that can make the singer cry, reducing her to a blubbering mess. The power of their gaze suggests a manipulative ability to seduce and control the singer's emotions, with the singer unable to stop looking into those eyes, even though she sees trouble in them. This hints at an unhealthy dynamic, with the singer unable to escape the pull of her lover's gaze, perhaps reflecting a sense of drowning.
The second verse of the song shifts focus from the "ocean eyes" to the addressee's "diamond mind". The eyes are described as staring and crying, reflecting the singer's own emotions, while the world has gone "blind". This contrast between the sharp, clear, and precious mind of the addressee and the blindness of the world suggests a sense of isolation and entrapment.
The violent imagery is further emphasized by the reference to ""napalm skies" and burning cities, evoking a landscape of warfare and attacks on civilians. This disturbing image contrasts sharply with the soothing melody of the song, creating a jarring effect that underscores the violent undertones.
The success of "Ocean Eyes" brought Billie Eilish to worldwide attention, with the song receiving critical acclaim and praise for its composition and lyrical content. The song's vulnerable and emotional lyrics, combined with Eilish's whispered and breathy vocal tone, created a personal and deep connection with audiences worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
The song ''Ocean Eyes' by Billie Eilish is about a dreamy love letter to a crush with eyes that resemble the ocean in colour. The singer confesses that she has never fallen so hard before and that she sees trouble when she looks into those eyes, but she cannot stop looking.
The name 'Ocean Eyes' may refer to someone with beautiful blue eyes that resemble the colour of the ocean.
The song was written by Finneas for his band but he believed it would sound good in Billie Eilish's voice.
The song has a tempo of 145 beats per minute (BPM) and is played in the key of E minor.
The lyrical content of 'Ocean Eyes' has been described as vulnerable, atmospheric, understated, gauzy, moody, and heartbreaking.











































