Song meaning of Vapor Trail by Rush

The lyrics of "Vapor Trail" by Rush convey a sense of impermanence and loss. The song begins by describing the fleeting nature of human existence with the image of "Stratospheric traces of our transitory flight." The trails of condensation left behind further emphasize the transience of life. The sun turning black and the world turning gray imply a sense of decay and decline.

The chorus alludes to the fragile nature of memory, comparing it to an hourglass where every grain represents a fading memory. The use of the metaphor of voices in a hurricane emphasizes the forceful and overwhelming nature of forgetfulness. The lyrics suggest that memories and experiences, represented by footprints and voices, are easily washed away and swept aside.

In the second verse, the song implies that societal and natural destruction further contribute to the loss of memories. Atmospheric phases and killing frost are metaphors for the passing of time and the erasure of the past. The burning forests symbolize the destruction of nature and the loss of everything.

Ultimately, "Vapor Trail" presents a melancholic reflection on the ephemeral nature of human existence, memories, and the world around us. The lyrics depict a sense of inevitability and resignation to the fact that everything, including our own lives, will eventually disappear and become a vapor trail.