In The Air

L'Arc~en~Ciel's song 'In The Air' delves into themes of freedom, struggle, and the contrasting states of being grounded versus soaring. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels tied to the ground, watching another who is free to fly. This dichotomy is central to the song's emotional and metaphorical landscape. The imagery of the 'knife' and 'earth' suggests a painful reality that the grounded individual cannot escape, while the 'sky' represents an endless, pure freedom that seems unattainable.

The repeated phrase 'You fly over the earth' emphasizes the sense of longing and envy felt by the grounded person. They are acutely aware of their limitations, as highlighted by the line 'Can't you see I am tied to the ground.' This creates a poignant contrast between the two states of being, with one person experiencing boundless freedom and the other trapped in their circumstances. The sky, described as 'hateshinaku' (endless), symbolizes infinite possibilities and dreams that remain out of reach for the grounded individual.

The song also touches on the idea of connection and disconnection. The grounded person is deeply aware of the 'breath of all things,' suggesting a profound connection to the earth and its life. However, this connection also serves as a chain, preventing them from achieving the same freedom as the one who flies. The final lines, where the grounded person remains 'standing still' while watching the other 'floating in the air,' encapsulate the essence of the song: a poignant reflection on the human condition, the desire for freedom, and the pain of being unable to attain it.