A L I E N S
Coldplay
The Longing for Belonging in Coldplay's 'A L I E N S'
Coldplay's song 'A L I E N S' delves into themes of displacement, longing, and the search for belonging. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of individuals who feel like outsiders, or 'aliens,' in their own world. The opening lines, 'We were just about to lose our home / Diamonds ate the radio,' suggest a sense of impending loss and the intrusion of something valuable yet destructive. This sets the stage for a narrative of movement and escape, as the characters in the song take photographs to preserve their history while moving 'at the speed of flight.'
The recurring refrain, 'Just an alien,' underscores the feeling of being out of place and misunderstood. The song's characters are described as 'hovering without a home' and 'millions are UFO,' emphasizing their status as wanderers in search of a place to belong. The plea to 'tell your leader, sir or ma'am / We come in peace, we mean no harm' reflects a desire for acceptance and understanding from those in positions of power. This can be seen as a metaphor for the experiences of refugees, immigrants, or anyone who feels marginalized in society.
The song also touches on the universal human desire to 'get home again,' a place where one feels safe and accepted. The imagery of 'crossing your eyes for a lifetime' and 'turning pages over Asia' suggests a journey through time and space, highlighting the enduring nature of this quest. Coldplay's use of metaphors and evocative language creates a poignant and relatable narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. The song's message is clear: despite our differences, we all share a common longing for a place to call home.