Meaning of “Jealousy, turning saints into the sea”

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“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers isn’t just a catchy tune that many of us find ourselves singing along to; it's a powerful narrative about the harrowing grasp of jealousy and how it can distort our perception of reality. The entire song paints a vivid picture of a mind trapped in obsessive thoughts, an individual tormented by images of an affair that may or may not be happening. But what is it about jealousy that's so intoxicating and destructive?

Today, we’re diving deep into the line: “Jealousy, turning saints into the sea.”

Jealousy's Corrosive Touch

Jealousy, in many ways, acts like an unrelenting acid, eating away at the core of who we are. Just as acid can corrode even the sturdiest of materials, jealousy has the power to wear down even the strongest of spirits. The line brilliantly uses the imagery of a saint – a symbol of purity, virtue, and moral high ground – being consumed or turned into the vast, unpredictable expanse of the sea.

The sea, often, is symbolic of emotional turmoil, vastness, and unpredictability. Here, the transformation from a saint to the sea encapsulates how jealousy can lead us into a vast, turbulent sea of emotions. It's as if our moral compass, our groundedness, gets thrown into chaos.

Saints Aren't Immune

By invoking the imagery of a saint, the line also subtly alludes to the universal nature of jealousy. If even a saint, an epitome of virtue, isn't immune to its corrosive touch, then perhaps it's a more universal emotion than we'd like to admit. Jealousy doesn’t discriminate; it can touch anyone, making us all too human.

Lost in the Vastness

There's also a sense of being lost in this line. Turning into the sea doesn't just imply transformation, but also a feeling of being adrift, without an anchor. Jealousy can make us lose sight of the shore, of what's real and what's imagined. We float aimlessly in its vastness, struggling to find grounding.

In wrapping up, this line from “Mr. Brightside” beautifully encapsulates the overwhelming and consuming nature of jealousy. It serves as a poignant reminder of how even the most virtuous can be led astray by this powerful emotion. But, as with all emotions, awareness is the first step. Recognizing the signs, understanding its depth, and seeking an anchor can help us navigate the turbulent waters of jealousy and come back to the shore.

Mr. Brightside Lyrics

Coming out of my cage
And I've been doing just fine
Gotta gotta be down
Because I want it all
It started out with a kiss
How did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss
Now I'm falling asleep
And she's calling a cab
While he's having a smoke
And she's taking a drag
Now they're going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it's all in my head
But she's touching his chest now
He takes off her dress now
Let me go
And I just can't look, it's killing me
And taking control

Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside

I'm coming out of my cage
And I've been doing just fine
Gotta gotta be down
Because I want it all
It started out with a kiss
How did it end up like this?
(It was only a kiss), it was only a kiss
Now I'm falling asleep
And she's calling a cab
While he's having a smoke
And she's taking a drag
Now they're going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it's all in my head
But she's touching his chest now
He takes off her dress now
Let me go
'Cause I just can't look, it's killing me
And taking control

Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibi
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mr. Brightside

I never
I never
I never
I never