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?