"The Swimmer"

SUBJECT:
Is "The Swimmer" based on actual events or made up?
Frank Black: Actual events of course. The stuff is real man!
- online chat, 1/01

Some fans figure this song's about Elian Gonzales. I can kinda see that, but leaving "Florida far behind" doesn't seem to check out. Wouldn't that be leaving "Cuba far behind"?

LYRICS:
in the wake of his chariot / you swam toward the latitudes / leaving for happier times / Florida far behind / trying your best you were / ignoring the rescuers / you'd gone so very long / you were so very strong / the scene was so tragic / but that was the magic / will you never drown? / will you learn to use / some forgotten part some forgotten part? / are you going down where the ballyhoos and the tritons are? / you were so incredible / finding all the edible / prize of the sea / prize of the sea / in the wake of his chariot / he swam toward the latitudes / leaving for happier times / Florida far behind / in the division pelagic / you where coragic

LIVE: yes

ACOUSTIC: yes