All That We Are

Angels & Airwaves' song 'All That We Are' delves into the fragile and often painful nature of human existence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a cold, desolate world where individuals struggle with their inner demons and societal pressures. The opening lines, 'The ice is really cold / The streetlights, really old,' set a bleak tone, suggesting a world that is both physically and emotionally frigid. The imagery of a child melting into her own shame and fading away into a 'river full of shame' speaks to the profound sense of isolation and despair that many people experience. This metaphorical river represents the overwhelming flood of negative emotions that can consume a person, leaving them numb to the pain they endure.

The song also touches on themes of addiction and the search for escape. The line 'Can you feel the shallow wave / From a needle to the grave' starkly illustrates the destructive path of substance abuse, where temporary relief leads to a deeper abyss. The mention of 'her hell to far away' suggests a longing for a distant, unattainable peace. Despite the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope in the repeated refrain 'You're my only,' indicating that love or connection can be a lifeline in the midst of suffering.

The chorus, 'And we are / All that we are / Holding on / Till we fall apart,' serves as a poignant reminder of the human condition. It acknowledges the inherent struggle in life, the effort to hold on despite the inevitability of falling apart. This repetition emphasizes the universality of this experience, suggesting that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is engaged in this same battle. The song's message is both somber and uplifting, recognizing the pain of existence while also celebrating the resilience and connection that define humanity.