Wasteland

The Mission (UK)'s song "Wasteland" delves into the complex interplay between desire, pleasure, and existential despair. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a barren landscape, both literal and metaphorical, where the protagonist grapples with the dualities of life. The opening lines, "There's a crystal view from my window / And I can see years to come," suggest a sense of foresight and reflection. This sets the stage for a journey through a desolate emotional and spiritual terrain, where the protagonist is driven by a thirst for intense experiences, symbolized by "the burn and the sting of pleasure" and "the sword, the steel, and the gun."

The recurring imagery of tearing down walls and storming barricades signifies a relentless pursuit of something beyond the ordinary, a quest that is both exhilarating and perilous. The line "Desire lurks beyond good and evil" hints at a Nietzschean exploration of morality, where the protagonist dances on the graves of the hallowed, challenging conventional notions of right and wrong. This dance on the edge of moral boundaries underscores the tension between the spirit and the flesh, a theme further explored in the lines, "The spirit is willing, and the flesh is great / Your teasing, you torment with the pleasure of pain."

As the song progresses, the protagonist's internal conflict becomes more pronounced. The lines "Heaven and hell, I know them well / But I haven't yet made my choice" reflect a state of existential limbo, where the protagonist is caught between extremes but unable to commit to either. The imagery of walking a tightwire and being strung out high above everyone else conveys a sense of isolation and precariousness. The fateful wind that howls the protagonist's name and heralds their fall serves as a haunting reminder of the inevitable consequences of their choices. In essence, "Wasteland" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, marked by a relentless search for meaning in a world that often feels empty and unforgiving.