The song '1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)' by The Jimi Hendrix Experience carries a deep anti-war message and explores themes of escapism. The narrative tells of a person and their love, Catherina, who decide to abandon a world ravaged by conflict and pollution. They opt for a metaphorical and perhaps literal transformation into merpeople to find peace beneath the ocean's surface, in a pristine place untouched by human desecration, celebrated by the mythical city of Atlantis.
The emotional journey of '1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)' begins with weary optimism, as the protagonist awakens and decides to break free from a continuous state of war. The narrative follows an arc that transitions from sorrowful recognition of the world’s troubles to a hopeful resolve. The song’s protagonist vividly paints the conflict's toll on the environment, highlighting a sense of despair that drives the yearning for a different existence. As the verse progresses, Jimi Hendrix uses rich, vivid imagery to plunge the listener into a troubled landscape where every corner of the Earth is afflicted by violence.
The bridge of the song introduces the skepticism of friends who doubt the plans for an underwater sanctuary, referencing the boundaries set by God and the King, which could embody the perceived limits of human ambition or divine law. This marked disbelief introduces a conflicting perspective, furthering the emotional complexity of the song. It’s a poignant reminder that escaping reality is often met with opposition and skepticism by those entrenched in conventional thinking.
In the third verse, there's an intimate farewell to the terrestrial world, almost a peaceful surrender. As the lovers commune with the sand and the sea, there's an undercurrent of solemnity in this 'last moment' that acknowledges the finality and significance of their choice. This is juxtaposed conjointly with the appearance of sea life, greeting them with a smile, which imparts a dreamlike sense of wonder and welcome, transitioning the emotional tone from bittersweet departure to enchanting discovery.
As the song approaches its conclusion, the descent 'down and down' into the aquatic ecosystem is marked with anticipation rather than fear, showcasing a stark contrast to the chaos left behind. The magical realism peaks when mermaids and cheers from Atlantis underscore a whimsical atmosphere, which sharply contrasts the earlier scenes of war and destruction. The protagonist’s emotional journey culminates in a place ‘so very dear,’ symbolizing the ultimate triumph of hope and reinvention in the face of desolation.
"Oh, say can you see, it's really such a mess"
This phrase appears to echo the beginning of the American national anthem and may reflect Jimi Hendrix's own perception of the turmoil and conflict in the United States, particularly in the 1960s during the Vietnam War.
"Giant pencil and lipstick tube-shaped things"
These objects likely symbolize missiles and rockets, implying the absurdity and perceived frivolousness of war technology, likening them to everyday trivial items.
"The Arctic stains from silver blue to bloody red"
This vivid imagery suggests environmental destruction, perhaps alluding to the impact of war or pollution on what should be pristine realms of nature.
""Right this way," smiles a mermaid"
This is an embodiment of complete departure from the human world into the mythic; mermaids traditionally symbolize allure and the mystery of the untamed sea.