Streamline

System Of A Down's song 'Streamline' delves into the themes of absence, regret, and the enduring pain of missed opportunities. The repeated line 'I wasn't there for you' serves as a haunting reminder of the narrator's failure to be present for someone important in their life. This refrain underscores the deep sense of guilt and sorrow that permeates the song, suggesting a relationship that has been irrevocably damaged by neglect or absence.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of separation and longing. Phrases like 'I can't see you 'cross the streamline' and 'I can't see you through the snowblind' use natural elements as metaphors for the barriers that prevent the narrator from reconnecting with their loved one. The 'streamline' and 'snowblind' symbolize the emotional and perhaps physical distances that have grown between them, making reconciliation seem impossible. The mention of 'goodbyes are long' further emphasizes the enduring nature of their separation and the prolonged pain it causes.

The song also touches on the inevitability of time and the clarity it brings in hindsight. The line 'I know time reveals in hindsight' suggests that the narrator has come to understand the full extent of their mistakes only after it is too late to make amends. This realization adds another layer of tragedy to the song, as it highlights the irreversible nature of their actions. The recurring theme of 'your love lasts a lifetime' juxtaposed with the narrator's inability to 'wrestle with the stormy night' suggests a love that endures despite the narrator's failures, adding a bittersweet element to the narrative.