Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Atlas” by Man Overboard
Atlas is an emotionally powerful track by Man Overboard. It features plaintive lyrics, lush instrumentation, and an infectious chorus. The song opens with a reverberating guitar riff that sets the tone of the track. The singer paints a vivid picture of being stranded out at sea and feeling a sense of helplessness and powerlessness as they drift farther away from home. Lines like “I’m heading for the open sea/with no stars to steer me home” paint a bleak picture of a lost soul finding solace in the voyage.
The song’s chorus repeats the refrain “so take me home” as a plea for help in finding their way back to safety. The plea for help is further emphasized by the plea “Will somebody save me?” The singer finds strength in the idea of becoming an atlas; finding their own path and “making waves of my own”. The message here is that you can take control of your situation, even when feeling lost and helpless.
A strong theme of relationships is found throughout the song. The singer expresses regret for moves made in the past – “I should have never crossed that line” – and a desire to restore original connections and make good on promises made. Lyrics such as “The way back was sealed with a broken pledge” speaks to the difficulty of repairing relationships after they have been broken.
Atlas is a powerful track that speaks to many universal themes such as loss, longing, and relationships. The lyrics recognize that even when feeling lost and helpless, one can gain strength to find a way back home. Ultimately, this track is about finding the courage to take control and carve your own path, not unlike an atlas.