Continuing my discovery of Courtney Barnett’s studio album debut, I arrive at track #6, titled ‘Aqua Profunda!’
These are the most conversational lyrics so far, a little first-person narrative about a woman who tries to catch the eye of somebody swimming alongside her in a public pool, only to pass out while attempting an acrobatic move. I first pictured a man as her object of affection, but I’ve read that Barnett is gay and she could very well be writing here about two women.
These lyrics are poetic in their brevity and style. I’m curious to see how Barnett sets them to music.
Very nicely, as it turns out. More of that early Elvis Costello feel here, though less hard-edged than on the first couple of tracks. This also reminds me of Joe Jackson’s great album, Look Sharp!.
You were doing freestyle, then you switched it around
To a little bit of backstroke
I couldn’t see underneath
Your swimming cap, but it appeared that you had
Dark colored hair, maybe it was blonde for all I know
I had goggles on
They were getting foggy
I much prefer swimming to jogging
I tried my very best to impress you
Held my breath longer than I normally do
I was getting dizzy
My hair was wet and frizzy
Felt my muscles burn, I took a tumble turn
For the worse, it’s a curse
My lack of athleticism, sunk like a stone
Like a first owner’s home loan
When I came to, you and your towel were gone
Meet Me In Montauk 
I think the swimming cap and hair reference, along with the heightened interest in the backstroke like.y revealing the chest, shows she is talking about a woman.
I agree, I think it’s a woman also