The Wheel
Sohn
The Futility of Reinvention: Analyzing Sohn's 'The Wheel'
Sohn's song 'The Wheel' delves into themes of existential despair and the futility of human efforts. The opening lines, 'I died a week ago / There's nothing left / It's caught on video / The very last breath,' set a somber tone, suggesting a metaphorical death. This could symbolize a loss of purpose or identity, captured and immortalized in a digital age where every moment is recorded. The imagery of an 'avalanche' caving in on 'mines' further emphasizes the overwhelming nature of life's challenges, burying any evidence of past efforts or achievements.
The recurring refrain, 'All this fuss over nothing / Reinventing the wheel / All this searching for something that's not real,' serves as a poignant critique of modern society's relentless pursuit of progress and innovation. The phrase 'reinventing the wheel' implies a futile effort to create something new when the original is already sufficient. This can be seen as a commentary on the cyclical nature of human endeavors, where we often find ourselves repeating the same mistakes or chasing illusions of success and fulfillment.
Sohn's minimalist electronic style complements the song's introspective lyrics, creating an atmosphere of introspection and melancholy. The repetition of the chorus underscores the song's central message: the existential struggle and the often fruitless search for meaning in a world that can feel increasingly superficial and disconnected. By highlighting the emptiness behind our constant striving, 'The Wheel' invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the true value of their pursuits.