Closer To An Animal

Sonata Arctica's song "Closer To An Animal" delves into the complex relationship between human progress and our primal instincts. The lyrics begin with a reflection on human evolution, from our origins in the sea to our current technological advancements. The imagery of falling from an apple tree evokes the biblical story of Adam and Eve, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the beginning of human curiosity and ambition. The song marvels at human achievements, such as building flying machines and storing knowledge in the cloud, yet it questions the ultimate purpose and consequences of these advancements.

The chorus, "I think I'm closer to an animal every day till I fall," suggests a growing awareness of our primal nature despite our technological progress. The song critiques human greed and its destructive impact on the planet, using metaphors like glaciers melting into champagne glasses to illustrate the environmental cost of our desires. The lyrics highlight the irony of having the ability to see the world from above, yet being blinded by our own hindsight and wisdom. This duality of human nature—our capacity for greatness and our tendency towards self-destruction—is a central theme of the song.

In the final verses, the song reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence in the grand scheme of things. Despite our remarkable achievements, the lyrics question why we use our intelligence to harm the planet, our only home. The song concludes with a call to reconnect with our inner animal, suggesting that embracing our primal instincts might help us find a more harmonious way of living. Sonata Arctica's blend of poetic lyrics and powerful melodies creates a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition, urging listeners to reflect on their own actions and their impact on the world.