The lyrics of Hawkwind's song "Where Are They Now" seem to reflect on the loss or disappearance of a civilization or culture. The opening line refers to a "lonely mountaintop" which could represent a secluded, spiritual place. The following line about "crumbling cities of a race that would not stop" suggests that this civilization was once thriving and unstoppable, but now it has fallen apart. The line "only [?] hover in my empty dreams" could imply that the speaker is having a difficult time processing what they are seeing and that it only exists in their imagination. The repeated refrain of "Where are you now?" adds to the sense of loss and longing for what once was. It's unclear who the speaker is directing this question towards, whether it's towards a specific individual or the civilization as a whole. The song creates a haunting and melancholic atmosphere, emphasizing the finality of this loss and the emptiness that remains. Overall, the song serves as a reminder of the fragility of humanity and the impermanence of even the most flourishing societies.
