Steven Wilson – The Overview Lyrics
[Part 1: Perspective]
[Instrumental Intro]
[Verse 1]
Size beyond one megametre
10 to the power of 6
Ganymede
Callisto
Wolf 359
Size beyond one gigametre
10 to the power of 9
Sirius
Altair
Vega
Polaris
Size beyond one terametre
10 to the power of 12
Antares
Pistol Star
Betelgeuse
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 2]
Size beyond one petametre
10 to the power of 15
Stringray Nebula
Ring Nebula
Helix Nebula
The Spire
Hourglass Nebula
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
Size beyond one exametre
10 to the power of 18
Omega Centurai
Messier 54
Tarantula Nebula
Size beyond one zettametre
10 to the power of 21
Milky Way
Andromeda Galaxy
Fornax Cluster
Size beyond one yottametre
10 to the power of 24
Virgo Super Cluster
Eridanus Supervoid
Super Cluster Complex
[Instrumental Outro]
[Part 2: A Beautiful Infinity/Borrowed Atoms]
[Verse 1]
Snow is falling but it can’t be seen from here
And back on Earth, my loving wife’s been dead for years
I see myself in relation to it all
What seemed important now like dust inside the squall
Each moment for me is a lifetime for you
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 2]
The clouds have no history
And the sea feels no sorrow
The oxygen recycled
And the atoms are just borrowed
The painless and fragility
Of this cycle, oh
[Chorus]
I’m already gone
Is there self?
Is this real? Is this a dream?
There’s no reason for anything
Just a beautiful infinity
No design and no one at the wheel
Just an existential mystery
La-la-la-la-la, la-la, la-la
[Outro]
The light that radiates from here could shade the sun
But in a billion years its journey’s just begun
(Begun, do-do-do-do)
[Part 3: Infinity Measured in Moments]
[Instrumental Intro]
[Verse]
Size beyond one megametre
10 to the power of 6
Ganymede
Callisto
Wolf 359
Size beyond one gigametre
10 to the power of 9
Sirius
Altair
Vega
Polaris
Size beyond one terametre
10 to the power of 12
Antares
Pistol Star
Betelgeuse
[Chorus]
Fom the air, from the dust
From the sea, from the blood
In the capsule falling millions of years
Prison
All we were, All destroyed
Drifting on through the void
As the permanence of matter disappears
Taken
Fom the air, from the dust
From the sea, from the blood
In the capsule falling millions of years
Prison
All we were, All destroyed
Drifting on through the void
As the permanence of matter disappears
[Instrumental Break]
[Outro]
Size beyond one exametre
10 to the power of 18
Omega Centurai
Messier 54
Tarantula Nebula
Size beyond one zettametre
10 to the power of 21
Milky Way
Andromeda Galaxy
Fornax Cluster
Size beyond one yottametre
10 to the power of 24
Virgo Super Cluster
Eridanus Supervoid
Super Cluster Complex
[Part 4: Permanence]
[Instrumental]
The Overview by Steven Wilson
“The Overview” is a thought-provoking song by Steven Wilson, featured on his album of the same name, released in 2023. Known for his intricate compositions and deep lyrical content, Wilson explores themes of perception and existential reflection in this track.
Quick summary
The song delves into the complexities of human experience, urging listeners to consider their place in the universe and the interconnectedness of all things.
In-depth lyrics analysis
The song opens with a contemplative tone, inviting listeners to reflect on their lives and the world around them. The first verse introduces the idea of looking at life from a distance, suggesting that sometimes we need to step back to gain perspective. This metaphor of distance is crucial, as it sets the stage for the overarching theme of the song: understanding our existence in a broader context.
As the song progresses, Wilson employs vivid imagery to illustrate the chaos and beauty of life. He contrasts moments of joy with instances of despair, highlighting the duality of human experience. The chorus serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of time, urging listeners to cherish each moment while acknowledging the inevitability of change.
In the second verse, Wilson shifts focus to the interconnectedness of humanity. He emphasizes that despite our individual struggles, we are all part of a larger tapestry. This notion of unity is reinforced through the use of collective pronouns, fostering a sense of shared experience among listeners. The lyrics suggest that understanding our place within this collective can lead to greater empathy and compassion.
The bridge of the song introduces a more introspective tone, as Wilson reflects on personal experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Here, he touches on themes of regret and acceptance, acknowledging that while we cannot change the past, we can learn from it. This moment of vulnerability adds depth to the song, making it relatable to anyone who has faced similar challenges.
As the song nears its conclusion, Wilson returns to the idea of perspective, encouraging listeners to embrace the unknown. The final lines resonate with a sense of hope, suggesting that while life may be unpredictable, it is also filled with potential for growth and discovery. The repetition of key phrases throughout the song reinforces its central message, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.
