Here Below
Facing the Abyss: Reflections on Humanity in 'Here Below'
Lyrics
California is burning again
California is experiencing wildfires.
Guess it's safe to say
Suggesting that it's evident or reasonable to conclude.
That one way or another
Regardless of how, we are confronted with a critical situation.
We're facing the end
We are approaching an end, possibly a crisis.
Of our selfish, rough, and wicked ways
We are facing consequences for our self-centered, harsh, and immoral behavior.
Ocean waters are rising again
Sea levels are increasing continuously.
Higher every day
The rise in ocean levels is ongoing and progressing.
And the brashest among us
Those who are most audacious or bold among us.
No longer pretend
No longer pretend or deceive themselves.
There's a way we come out of this okay
There is a possibility of coming through this crisis in a satisfactory manner.
But as I look into the setting sun
Observing the sunset, reflecting on life.
I recall everything must go
Recalling the impermanence of everything.
And in time all of this will come undone
Anticipating the unraveling of all things with time.
Here below
Emphasizing the transient nature of life on Earth.
Foreign armies are fighting again
Foreign military forces are engaged in conflict.
For freedom faith and land
Fighting for principles like freedom, faith, and land.
In this country of plenty
In a nation with abundant resources, there is also considerable suffering.
There's plenty of pain
Despite the prosperity, there is a prevalence of pain.
Though we do tend to die at our own hands
Death often occurs due to our own actions.
God, it feels like division these days
Perception of increased division in contemporary times.
Venom, rancor and blame
Expressing intense hostility, bitterness, and assigning responsibility.
It's so easy to look at
It is effortless to criticize others.
Another one's ways
It's easy to judge someone else's actions.
And imagine we are not the same
Imagining that we are fundamentally different from others.
But as I look into the setting sun
Looking at the sunset, reflecting on the unknown.
I recall there's much I do not know
Acknowledging the vastness of unknown aspects in life.
And I can't find any hate for anyone
Struggling to harbor animosity towards anyone.
Here below
Emphasizing the transient nature of life on Earth (repeated).
There are times I fear we're moving
Expressing concern about moving in an irreversible direction.
Down a one way track
A fear of losing something valuable on our current path.
There are times I fear we're losing
The apprehension that we may be losing an irretrievable aspect.
Something we can't get back
Highlighting a sense of regret for potential irreversible losses.
Can we find peace behind the setting sun
Seeking tranquility as the day concludes.
Ere it burns everything we know?
Before destructive forces consume everything familiar.
Are we blind to the fate we're running from
Questioning if we are oblivious to the impending consequences.
Here below?
Emphasizing the transient nature of life on Earth (repeated).
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