It’s hard to believe that this incredibly deep and meaningful song has been forgotten and brushed over by many over the years. Even when it was released, despite peaking at number 6 on the UK charts and number 1 on the Australian charts, it wasn’t a worldwide hit (and it should have been).
Saltwater highlights the importance of environmental conservation and eliminating world poverty in today’s modern world. It does this by juxtaposing the marvels and achievements of humanity with the destruction of the natural world as we know it. It exposes the irony that as we have become more advanced and sophisticated, we have actually taken another step towards our own destruction.
The lyrics shows this juxtaposition beautifully. And it makes you reflect upon the world we live in today and the many wrongs that exist. It always refers back to the idea of saltwater welling in one’s eyes because the tears are not just tears of sadness, they are also tears of guilt (and even anger). For example, in one verse of the song: “We’re so ingenious we can walk on the moon, but when I hear about how the forest have died, saltwater wells in my eyes.”
The song was written and composed by none other than Julian Lennon, the son of the great and legendary singer John Lennon. Although his career was not as prolific and successful as that of his father, this song would have made his father proud. It is a song of extremely high quality and the similarity between Julian and John in terms of looks and voice is at times freaky. You could be forgiven for thinking that it was John that actually sang the song.
It surprises me that this song has not been used by environmental conservationists and socialists around the world to promote their movements. Perhaps Julian himself has not allowed this to happen. I’m not sure.
The most important thing now is to pass this song to current generations who have probably not heard it yet. Despite being written and composed almost 20 years ago, this message contained in Saltwater is as (if not more) important than when it was first released.
The following video is a beautiful collection of images shown throughout the song. It makes the song’s message powerful. Please pass this song on to your family and friends because it’s for the good of the world and our humanity.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This was absolutely touching. I loved it and I felt saltwater in my eyes. …….I have shared the link with my Facebook friends!!
Just heard it and its simple, straight to the point and Beautiful!