Tuesday 16 October 2007

Writers Island "Message in a Bottle"

In 1979 UK band The Police released their second album Regatta de Blance and the track “Message in a Bottle” was a huge hit in Australia, #1 in the United Kingdom only reached #74 in the US. The song was about an island castaway, who sends off a help message in a bottle. Later he finds a hundred million bottles washed up on the shore line indicating there are many people out there like him. The metaphors of the island, the bottle and the discovery he is not alone were the theme of the song …

The words are …

Just a castaway,
an island lost at sea, oh
Another lonely day, with no one here but me, oh
More loneliness than any man could bear
Rescue me before I fall into despair, oh

Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah

A year has passed since I wrote my note
But I should have known this right from the start
Only hope can keep me together
Love can mend your life but
Love can break your heart
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah

Walked out this morning, dont believe what I saw
Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore
Seems Im not alone at being alone
Hundred billion castaways, looking for a home
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets myMessage in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s...

The message in the bottle prompt reminds me of life, of past imbibing seeking the answers to life. The resemblances of writing, of savouring the flavour, a beginning, a middle, an end signify that the message in the bottle need not necessarily be a note, a written message but that the message might be contained in, or the consequence of, the liquid contents.

Symbolizing a beginning a full bottle could represent anticpation: a new adventure, an experience, of a tantalising aroma, as bubbles tingle your nose plus the prospect of what the contents might unleash.

The middle of the bottle heightens the senses. Calming, aggravating or relaxing sensations begin to appear. Devouring the contents alters feelings, perceptions, sometimes heading towards a danger zone – is the bottle half full or half empty?

The end as you drain the the final dregs climaxes in either sadness or elation! The message is consumed. What you’re left with is the prospect of the next chapter, of the next bottle, of the next message … or no relevance, everything out of perspective, plus a mighty hangover looming!

Do you want ice with that?

17 Comments:

Beau Brackish said...

I am partial to the message of an empty bottle. Hangovers used to be so much fun when I was younger, and could function on two hours sleep before heading into work after a long evening out.

Today, the empty bottle tells me I am not young anymore and any weekday hangover is an automatic sick day from work, which I can live with as well.

Guess you could call me a middle of the bottle kind of guy most of the time these days.

I like your take on the prompt. It is all a matter of perspective, isn't it?

Marja said...

Yes please I want ice with that. I do still like the middle of the bottle to heighten my senses. This song didn't leave my head when I first read the prompt.

Rambler said...

I guess I am for the beginning of the bottle, its always good to start full, knowing for sure for the moment there is nothing else you would want,.

Robin said...

I love the anticipation of your metaphorical full bottle, complete with bubbles tickling my noise.

Great take on the prompt.

Have to admit that I've never really liked the song though, too repetive.

ren powell said...

haven't thought of that song in years. I used to bounce around the kitchen singing the refrain and mumbling the rest. It's probably just me, but a lot went by me in my youth (not hangovers, unfortunately). Thanks for this.

Jo said...

Robin, hush your mouth. I LOVED this....very well written indeed. I'm glad I finally got to read, your blog has proved mighty inaccessible this morning....nursing a hangover GRIN?

paisley said...

what a thought provoking analogy!!! lovely...

Anonymous said...

I do not see the end as END. I see it as new beginning. The bottle can never be empty. It is filled with air, isn't ?

paris parfait said...

Very clever! Love your take on the prommpt.

KaiBlue said...

I love all the messages that bottles bring, full and empty. :) Great post..

and I'll have a Soco on ice please :)
peace, kai

Deb said...

I loved that song. I always liked the poetry of The Police and Sting.

Your take on the prompt was terrific. I'll have mine up, thank you!

Anonymous said...

I've had that song going through my head all morning - and now, here it is!

I can't handle more than a glass or two, nowadays - so I guess just the top part of the bottle for me - sigh.
Great take on the prompt!

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

No ice, please. I think I am catching a cold....

Like...deb, I love The Police, and Sting.

Anonymous said...

Nice take on the prompt, I love the song as well, Yet undecided upon the beginning, middle or end ..I like the whole at the moment. :)

Mary Timme said...

I guess hopelessness just isn't my thing, and I have a life I make sure I put lots of positive into. I'm much more a: "Wow! I'm alive because I'm supposed to be and it is great!" kind of person. I've never seen the joy in getting drunk or wasted. Sorry, but it seems like a waste of resources.

Tumblewords: said...

I'm still thinking. Your post stirred all sorts of thoughts and wandered away leaving me to sort myself out! Grin. Nice, nice post!

Anonymous said...

I love your take on the post - unexpected and thought provoking. I can definitely identify with the search for liquid meaning and the resulting hangover. I think I'm definitely partial to the full bottle. There is so much to look forward to, and I haven't yet begun to think of the possible illness in the morning. The whole world seems full of promise. Great piece!

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