How Is It (We Are Here)

Song Meaning

The lyrics grapple with existential questions, immediately grounding them in a sense of unease. The narrator questions our presence in a world characterized by "pointless fear" and "empty talk," suggesting a disconnect between our existence and any inherent meaning. This initial bewilderment sets a tone of profound uncertainty about humanity's place and purpose. The central tension arises from a stark contrast between destructive human actions and a perceived natural or divine force. The lyrics depict "mine-machines digging in the ground" and "concrete caves with iron doors," representing exploitation and containment. This is juxtaposed with the idea of a benevolent "her love" that is "burning inside" and "all around us," a force that seems to offer salvation or solace amidst the chaos. The most striking element is the repeated, almost desperate, refrain: "How is it we are here." This question, echoing throughout the song, underscores the narrator's struggle to reconcile the material world's harsh realities with a sense of higher love or purpose. The image of a "starving frightened world" being fed by a sea of grain, while seemingly contradictory, highlights the complex and often paradoxical nature of existence and provision. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their direct, almost raw, questioning and their use of potent imagery. The juxtaposition of industrial destruction with an omnipresent, loving force creates a powerful emotional landscape. The repeated question forces the listener to confront their own sense of being and the perceived contradictions within the world, making the existential inquiry feel immediate and deeply personal.