Interpretation
The song 'Aerials' by
System of a Down is a metaphorical representation of human life and our relationship with the world around us.
'Life is a waterfall, We're one in the river, And one again after the fall.' This verse describes life as a constant flow, where we all flow together and rise again after setbacks.
'Swimming through the void, We hear the word, We lose ourselves, But we find it all...' Here, the search for meaning and understanding in life is depicted. The 'void' could represent the uncertainty and unknown that we navigate in our search.
'Cause we are the ones that wanna play, Always wanna go, But you never wanna stay.' These lines could be a critique of people's constant dissatisfaction and restless search, never being content with what they have or where they are.
'Aerials, in the sky, When you lose small mind, You free your life.' The chorus speaks of freeing the mind, the aerial view, the 'Aerials'. When we free ourselves from narrow thinking, we can see our life in all its splendor.
'Life is a waterfall, We drink from the river, Then we turn around and put up our walls.' This can be interpreted as a critique of our society, where we use natural resources and then build barriers.
'Aerials, so up high, When you free your eyes, Eternal prize.' In the final part of the song, the idea is deepened that when we free our mind and eyes, we are able to see the eternal reward that life has to offer.