Sly

Massive Attack's song 'Sly' delves into the complexities of self-discovery and the passage of time. The lyrics reflect a journey of introspection, where the narrator grapples with the blurred lines between reality and perception. The opening lines, 'I try to believe what I feel these days / It makes life much easier for me,' suggest a struggle to find grounding in a world that feels increasingly disorienting. This theme is further emphasized with the line, 'It's hard to decide what is real these days / When things look so dizzy to me,' highlighting the confusion and uncertainty that often accompany personal growth and self-awareness.

The song also touches on the concept of legacy and continuity, as seen in the lines, 'I already know my children's children's faces / Voices that I've heard before.' This suggests a deep connection to the past and future, implying that the narrator feels a sense of timelessness and interconnectedness with generations. The recurring phrase 'There's always more' reinforces the idea that life is an ongoing journey with endless possibilities and discoveries.

The motif of wandering is central to the song, symbolizing the search for meaning and belonging. The lyrics, 'Wandering leaving the sea behind / To my home which everybody owns,' evoke a sense of shared human experience and the quest for a place where one can truly be free. The repetition of 'Wandering, wandering / Where we can do what we please' underscores the desire for freedom and the exploration of one's true self. The song's reflective tone and ethereal quality invite listeners to contemplate their own journeys and the timeless nature of self-discovery.