I Don't Know How We Got Here

VOLA's song "I Don't Know How We Got Here" delves into themes of isolation, disconnection, and the haunting nature of modern life. The lyrics paint a series of vivid, almost surreal scenes that evoke a sense of loss and confusion. The imagery of a boy killed in an arcade and a girl lost in an old mall suggests a world where innocence and safety are compromised, and the familiar becomes eerie and threatening. These settings, once places of joy and community, are now tainted by tragedy and abandonment, symbolizing a broader societal decay.

The recurring line, "I don’t know how we got so far down here," reflects a collective bewilderment and helplessness. It speaks to the gradual, unnoticed descent into a state of disconnection and silence. The silence breaking the ears is a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming and oppressive nature of this isolation. The song captures the feeling of being trapped in a downward spiral, where the reasons for the fall are unclear, and the way out seems elusive.

The final verse, with the birthday card flying into space and red balloons cold and disgraced, adds a layer of melancholy and resignation. These symbols of celebration and joy are now abandoned and forgotten, highlighting the emotional void and the loss of meaningful connections. The thousand words leaving this place without anyone's embrace underscores the theme of unspoken thoughts and unexpressed emotions, further emphasizing the sense of alienation. VOLA's musical style, blending progressive metal with electronic elements, enhances the haunting and introspective atmosphere of the song, making it a poignant reflection on the human condition in contemporary society.