All We Know

In Alessia Cara's song "All We Know," the artist delves into the perplexing and often disheartening nature of the world we live in. The lyrics open with a stark realization that many of the comforting myths and stories we grew up with, like Santa Claus and the Wizard of Oz, no longer hold the same magic. This loss of innocence and the subsequent struggle to find something to believe in again is a central theme. The line "Wise is the optimist, but truth is I don't understand" encapsulates the internal conflict between wanting to remain hopeful and grappling with the harsh realities of life.

The chorus, with its repetitive and cyclical structure, emphasizes the feeling of being trapped in an endless loop of confusion and helplessness. "Round and round and round it goes, heroes fall like dominoes" suggests that no matter how hard we try to make sense of things or to help, we often find ourselves back at square one, with our efforts seemingly in vain. The phrase "All we know is that we don't" serves as a poignant reminder of our limited understanding and control over the world around us.

Cara also touches on the conflicting messages we receive from different sources of wisdom. References to preachers, rocketships, and the Beatles' "Let it Be" highlight the diverse and often contradictory advice we encounter. The question "Where's the line between real and fantasy?" further underscores the difficulty in discerning truth in a world filled with mixed signals. Ultimately, the song captures the essence of living in a "strange world" where uncertainty reigns, and the only certainty is our own lack of understanding.