Song history written by W.B.T.G. Slinger and TimelandIsWacky

With a very upfront title, “Sea of Doubt” is the turning point of Phantom Island, when the narrative’s characters finally find their way after being lost and adrift in their own mental anguish. Following the central theme of being lost and isolated on a journey as an analogy of the touring life, the song explores the dread and anxiety of being lost at sea. Eventually, the figurative light at the end of the tunnel is spotted after “We scatter the ashes from the singing birds' urn,” which could be construed as accepting the end and moving on from the liberating life, as “Rats In The Sky” detailed in the precursor album Flight b741. Another indirect reference is the phrase “forest of my mind”, that previously appeared in “Gila Monster” and “Raw Feel.” Some may also hear the main riff of “Sea of Trees” at the eight second mark, though it does feature a different third note resting at a lower octave — possibly a conscious reference considering the two songs’ similar titles and shared topics of moving past mental health issues through acceptance

The song’s title was first mentioned on the Flight b741 song “Mirage City” with the line “I'm done treading water in the sea of doubt.”
“Sea of Doubt” was written and performed by Ambrose (vocals), Cavs (drums/percussion), Cook (bass/vocals), Joey (guitar), and Stu (bass/guitar/vocals), with additional pedal steel from Sam Joseph. It was released on Phantom Island on June 13th, 2025.

“Sea of Doubt” has not been played live.