Nowhere Now

Steven Wilson's 'Nowhere Now' is a contemplative exploration of existential themes, blending a sense of disillusionment with a yearning for transcendence. The song opens with the imagery of being 'six feet underground,' suggesting a state of stagnation or entrapment. This metaphorical burial is contrasted with the idea of moving 'backwards now at the speed of sound,' indicating a rapid regression or a retreat from progress. The repeated phrase 'we are nowhere now' underscores a feeling of aimlessness and disconnection from meaningful direction.

The lyrics then shift to a more ethereal perspective, where the narrator finds solace 'above the clouds,' free from the 'crowds' and earthly concerns. This elevated state allows the narrator to 'float above the stars' and experience a 'rush of love,' symbolizing a desire to escape the chaos and find purity and peace. The view of Earth as 'luminous' from this vantage point suggests a recognition of beauty and potential that is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

However, the song also carries a tone of regret and criticism. Lines like 'we had every chance but we never learn' and 'we just make it worse' reflect a collective failure to appreciate and nurture what we have. The 'principle of love' is deemed meaningless in a world where people are disconnected from their true selves and each other. The song's cyclical structure, ending as it begins with the imagery of being 'six feet underground,' reinforces the idea that without change, we are doomed to repeat our mistakes and remain 'nowhere now.'