 They also note that the song contains references to "Jimi's two favourite metaphors", sand and water, and that some of the phrases within the lyrics connote his "belief in the power of positive thinking apparent in his music, lyrics and interviews through all the rest of his life".In an interview with Jane De Mendelssohn for "International Times" in 1969, Hendrix explained the significance of the track to be "something to keep your mind off what's happening… but not necessarily completely hiding away from it like some people do".In reviews of "Electric Ladyland", "1983… (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" has often been identified as a highlight of the album.