Is It Like Today

World Party's song "Is It Like Today" is a contemplative journey through human history, reflecting on the recurring themes of progress, worry, and existential questioning. The song begins with a man looking out through a glassless window, symbolizing an ancient time when humanity was just beginning to understand the world around them. The reference to Babylon and the beautiful green fields evokes a sense of early civilization and the dreams of those times. Despite the beauty and potential, there is an underlying worry in the man's heart, a concern about the future and the state of living.

As the song progresses, it moves through different historical periods, from the Mediterranean and the Greek philosophers to the days of kings, empires, and revolutions. Each era is marked by its own advancements and struggles, yet the fundamental worry about existence and the state of the world remains constant. The lyrics highlight how, despite the changes in faith, power, and reason, the furrowed brow of concern never leaves humanity's face. This suggests a cyclical nature of human history, where each generation grapples with similar existential questions and worries.

In the final verse, the song takes a leap into the future, imagining a time when humanity has left Earth and ventured into space. Even in this advanced state, the same worries persist. The encounter with God in space serves as a metaphor for the ultimate confrontation with the unknown and the divine. The repeated question, "Is it like today?" underscores the timeless nature of these concerns, suggesting that no matter how much progress is made, the fundamental worries about existence and the state of the world remain unchanged. World Party's song is a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of human anxiety and the quest for understanding in an ever-changing world.