Ocean Spray

Album: Know Your Enemy (2001)
Charted: 15
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Ocean Spray is a cranberry drink given to patients in hospitals in the UK and Ireland.
  • This is about Manic's guitarist James Dean Bradfield's mother and her battle with cancer. "Oh, please stay awake and then we can drink some Ocean Spray" refers to James in the hospital with his mother, begging her not to die.
  • "Me-totemo-utsukushi-i-desu-ne totemo-utsukushi-i-me-wo-shitemasu" is what's said at the start of the song. It's a quote by photographer Mitch Ikeda, and is Japanese for "Oh, you've got beautiful eyes."
  • Bradfield told NME October 8, 2011 that the song was "Inspired by my mum's passing. You have doubts over whether you should convert those emotions."

Comments: 1

  • Tim from Kilkenny, IrelandErm . . . I drink Ocean Spray Cranberry & Blackcurrant for brekkie every morning. And I'm not in hospital. Uh-oh.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."