The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Carbon" by the artist "VNV Nation"

The song "Carbon" by VNV Nation is a reflection on the destructive nature of humanity and its obsession with progress, which may ultimately lead to its demise.

The image of "a million shining lights" rising to the heavens symbolizes the cities and industrial centers created by humans. These are "statues in the dark" that burn all night, symbolizing humanity's relentless pursuit of development and consumption.

The phrase "screaming into the void" conveys a sense of the futility and pointlessness of these efforts. Humanity has "deified itself," considering itself the master of nature, but at the same time closes its eyes to the consequences of its actions ("covering our eyes, we encroach upon all that lives").

The question "What is it in us that drives this madness?" expresses bewilderment as to why we are so obsessed with creating something ("light") that could ultimately destroy us. This "light" can be interpreted as technological progress, material wealth, or even just the illusion of control over the world around us.

The second part of the song delves into the theme of self-destruction. Humanity, "perceiving ourselves as deities," mindlessly exploits nature, changing the natural order of things ("by our actions in this contest we alter instincts"). This "recklessness and stupidity" inevitably lead to destruction.

The final lines of the song paint a bleak picture of the future. After the "Earth bleeds" and "a rain of ash falls from the skies," the only legacy of humanity will be "a million lights that nobody sees" - a monument to its ambitions and at the same time its demise.

The song "Carbon" is a call for awareness and responsibility. It makes you think about the cost of progress and what is really important for the survival of humanity.