Spirit Of The Air

Angra's 'Spirit Of The Air' is a captivating blend of mythological imagery and a profound quest for freedom. The song opens with vivid descriptions of mermaids crying in the ocean and a thunderous king surrounded by magic, setting a mystical and otherworldly tone. These elements evoke a sense of ancient legends and the powerful forces of nature, drawing listeners into a fantastical realm where the boundaries between reality and myth blur.

The lyrics then transport us to an island inhabited by elves, where Ariel's winds propel the sails into a war. This reference to Ariel, a spirit from Shakespeare's 'The Tempest,' adds a layer of literary depth to the song. Ariel's winds symbolize the forces of nature and magic that drive the narrative forward. The protagonist, possibly Ariel himself, speaks of being trapped in a cloven pine for a decade, a direct nod to the character's imprisonment in the play. This imprisonment represents a loss of freedom and autonomy, a central theme in the song.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's yearning for freedom becomes more apparent. The 'Spirit Of The Air' throws tricks and spells, seeking the freedom once denied. This struggle for liberation is not just physical but also spiritual and intellectual. The line 'It's no good to watch the skies through someone else's eyes' underscores the importance of personal freedom and the ability to see the world through one's own perspective. The protagonist identifies as a 'soul of freedom' and a 'creature of nature,' emphasizing a deep connection to the natural world and an inherent desire for autonomy. Angra masterfully weaves these themes into a rich tapestry of myth, literature, and emotion, creating a song that resonates with anyone who has ever yearned for freedom.