Economies Of Scale

Steven Wilson's 'Economies Of Scale' delves into themes of loss, change, and the passage of time. The song opens with the imagery of a 'black freighter' lost in fog, symbolizing something grand and significant that has been obscured or lost. This vessel, a 'moving testament to all that’s lost,' sets the tone for the song, suggesting a journey through uncertainty and the remnants of what once was. The fog represents confusion and the unknown, while the freighter itself could symbolize the weight of past experiences and memories.

The lyrics 'And I try to close my palm' evoke a sense of trying to hold onto something fleeting, perhaps memories or moments that are slipping away. This struggle is further emphasized by the lines 'Don’t stumble, don’t idle, God willing we’ll get through this,' which convey a sense of perseverance and hope amidst adversity. The phrase 'just more things that won’t be missed' suggests a resignation to the inevitability of loss and the transient nature of material possessions and experiences.

The chorus, 'Economy of scale,' can be interpreted as a reflection on how individual experiences and emotions are often dwarfed by larger forces and events. The song concludes with a poignant scene of an 'evening in decline,' where a cigarette unwinds, symbolizing the slow passage of time and the ephemeral nature of life. The final lines, 'One moment just passes through, all time leaves is me and you,' highlight the enduring connection between individuals amidst the relentless march of time. Wilson's melancholic yet introspective lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of loss, change, and the enduring bonds that persist through it all.