Always Ascending

Song Meaning

These lyrics plunge the listener into a persistent, almost hypnotic state of upward motion, a constant "always ascending." The opening lines set an ethereal, comforting scene, with "Cirrus caress you, cumulus kiss you," yet there's an underlying sense of transition, as "Raindrops of crystal whisper, 'We'll miss you'." It feels like a gentle push into an unknown, elevated space, where even gravity operates differently, allowing for a "slowly rising, falling patiently" experience. Yet, this relentless ascent is immediately complicated by a core tension: the journey, despite its upward trajectory, is explicitly described as one that will "Never gonna resolve." This meta-commentary, noting how "The opening line leaves an uncertain ending" and "The chords seem to pause," suggests a perpetual state of becoming without ever truly arriving. The unsettling revelation that "The Shepard misleads so you think you're transcending" introduces a sharp critique, implying that this grand upward movement might be a deceptive illusion of progress. The emotional landscape shifts dramatically from this ethereal, unresolved ascent to a stark, grounded reality. The narrator describes "Waking up dry, waking up dusty," feeling "remorse, feeling thirsty." This visceral discomfort contrasts sharply with the earlier cloud imagery, highlighting a crash back to earth, or at least a painful awareness of physical needs. The desperate plea to "Bring me a cup, bring me water" underscores a primal longing for clarity and relief from this disorienting, unresolved state. Ultimately, the lyrics craft a powerful sense of being caught in a loop of striving, a journey that promises transcendence but delivers only irresolution and a lingering thirst. The effectiveness lies in how the constant, almost dreamlike ascent is repeatedly undercut by explicit statements of its futility and the eventual, very real discomfort it leaves behind. It's a compelling exploration of ambition, illusion, and the fundamental human need for resolution and solace.