Sky Is Over
Serj Tankian
Interpreting the Clouded Message of 'Sky Is Over' by Serj Tankian
Serj Tankian, known for his work as the lead vocalist of the band System of a Down, often infuses his music with political and social commentary. 'Sky Is Over' is no exception, and it appears to be a reflection on the state of the world, touching on themes of environmental and economic distress. The repeated line 'Even though we can't afford the sky is over' suggests a sense of inevitability and helplessness in the face of global issues that are beyond the control of ordinary people. The sky, often a symbol of limitlessness and freedom, is portrayed as something that is no longer attainable or has been tarnished by human actions.
The lyrics 'Are you at war with land and all of its creatures' and 'Your not-so-gentle persuasion has been known to wreck economies of countries, of empires' imply a critique of humanity's destructive tendencies, particularly the impact of war and economic policies on the environment and society. Tankian's use of the phrase 'the sky is over' could be interpreted as a metaphor for the end of innocence or the end of times when the natural world and human civilization could coexist sustainably. The song's tone is one of disappointment and urgency, urging listeners to recognize the consequences of their actions.
Despite the heavy themes, there is a personal element to the song as well. The lines 'Don't you want to hold me baby, Disappointed, going crazy' and 'I don't want to see you go' introduce a sense of personal loss and longing. This could represent the individual's emotional response to the broader issues or a more intimate narrative of personal relationships strained by the pressures of a world in crisis. The song balances the macro and micro, connecting the personal to the political.