In The Aeroplane Over The Sea

Neutral Milk Hotel's 'In The Aeroplane Over The Sea' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of life's fleeting moments, love, and the inevitable passage of time. The song opens with a sense of wonder and appreciation for a 'beautiful face' found in the vastness of existence, emphasizing the transient nature of beauty and dreams. The imagery of a dream flashing on a screen and disappearing in an instant captures the ephemeral quality of life's most precious moments, urging the listener to hold onto these fleeting experiences.

The chorus brings a poignant reminder of mortality, with the line 'one day we will die and our ashes will fly from the aeroplane over the sea.' This metaphor of ashes scattering from an airplane suggests a final release and a return to the elements, highlighting the impermanence of life. Yet, the song balances this somber reflection with a celebration of youth and the present moment, encouraging us to 'lay in the sun and count every beautiful thing we can see.' This juxtaposition of life and death, joy and sorrow, creates a rich tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply.

The song also delves into the mysterious and surreal, with references to 'Anna's ghost' and the ethereal music that 'sounds from the street.' These elements add a layer of otherworldliness, suggesting a connection between the physical and spiritual realms. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, particularly in the lines about remembering a loved one and the secrets that 'sleep in winter clothes.' The final verse encapsulates the song's overarching theme of wonder and existential curiosity, marveling at the strangeness of existence itself: 'Can't believe how strange it is to be anything at all.'