Shtil'

The song "Shtil'" by Ariya delves into the themes of isolation, despair, and the faint glimmer of hope amidst a dire situation. The title itself, which translates to "Calm" or "Stillness," sets the tone for the song, depicting a scene where the wind is silent, and a white seagull has fallen to the bottom of the sea. This imagery evokes a sense of eerie tranquility and abandonment, suggesting that the ship and its crew are forgotten and adrift in a world bound by a dream-like state.

As the lyrics progress, the sense of hopelessness deepens. The crew is caught in a timeless void, without names or faces, no longer expecting the breeze to awaken. The heat and the smell of black tar drive them to madness, and the death of one becomes a necessity for the survival of the rest. This grim reality highlights the extreme measures taken in desperate times, where the value of life diminishes, and survival instincts take over. The mention of flesh and blood haunting them suggests a haunting guilt or a curse that follows their actions, with a hope that perhaps God will reward the deceased for their sacrifice.

The song also touches on the silence of the sea, which keeps its secrets, and the thirst for life that dries up their hearts. Life in this context is portrayed as cheap, especially the lives of others, but not one's own. The absence of thunder from the heavens when they drank blood like beasts signifies a lack of divine intervention or judgment, leaving them to their own devices. However, the unbearable shine of the Southern Cross, a constellation often associated with navigation and hope, becomes a beacon. In the final moments, a wave rises, and a cry is heard - land is ahead. This ending brings a sense of relief and a return to hope, suggesting that despite the hardships, there is a possibility of salvation and a return home.