Oil And Water

Incubus' song 'Oil And Water' delves into the complexities and inevitable failures of a relationship that simply cannot work, no matter how hard the individuals try. The metaphor of oil and water is central to the song, symbolizing two elements that, despite their best efforts, cannot blend harmoniously. This imagery is powerful and evocative, immediately conveying the sense of incompatibility and persistent struggle between the two people involved.

The lyrics describe a tumultuous relationship, likened to 'dancing on a volcano,' which suggests a constant state of danger and instability. The repeated attempts to 'mix it up' and the subsequent 'crying over blackened souls' highlight the emotional toll and the futility of their efforts. The line 'there is no parasol that could shelter this weather' further emphasizes the inevitability of their discord, suggesting that no external solution can protect them from the stormy nature of their relationship.

The song also touches on the personal burdens each person carries, with the narrator 'smiling with anchors on my shoulders,' indicating a facade of happiness while being weighed down by heavy emotional baggage. The repeated acknowledgment that 'this wouldn't be the first time, it will not be the last time' underscores a cycle of repeated failures and the painful realization that some relationships are doomed to repeat the same patterns. Ultimately, the song concludes with a call for honesty, urging both parties to 'call it what it is'—an unworkable mix, like oil and water.