Here's a breakdown:
* The father's death: The song begins by stating that the father has died and lies at the bottom of the sea, signifying his complete immersion in the natural world.
* Nature's transformative power: The lyrics describe the father's body being transformed by the ocean. His bones become coral, his flesh turns into pearls, and his hair into seaweed. This emphasizes the power of nature to consume and transform life.
* The cycle of life: Despite the father's death, his legacy continues. His bones become a part of the ocean, and his daughter, Ariel, sings about the coral and pearls that were once him. This emphasizes the ongoing cycle of life and death, where even in passing, one's essence can be preserved.
* Acceptance and peace: The song's tone is calm and accepting. While acknowledging the loss, it focuses on the beauty and wonder of the transformation, emphasizing the idea that death is not an end but a transition into another form.
Therefore, the poem ultimately celebrates the natural cycle of life and death, urging listeners to accept loss and find peace in the understanding that everything is a part of a larger, continuous process.