The song "Wasteland" by John Cale portrays a desolate and barren environment that represents the state of the world or the narrator's personal circumstances. The lyrics depict a wasteland where the soil is cold, rivers are dry, and volcanoes can be seen in the distance. These visuals symbolize a bleak and inhospitable place, possibly reflecting a sense of despair, isolation, or hopelessness. Amidst this desolation, there is a sense of comfort and solace that the narrator finds in someone else. This person holds and supports the narrator in the darkness, providing emotional security and companionship. This suggests that even in the midst of a harsh and desolate reality, there can be moments of comfort and connection. The reference to the black sea and the disappearing dinosaurs alludes to a sense of extinction and loss. It implies that times have changed, and things that once existed are now gone. This could represent a transition or an end of an era, highlighting the futility of trying to change or fix what has already been lost. Overall, "Wasteland" portrays a world or personal situation filled with bleakness and loss. It emphasizes the comfort found in human connection amidst the darkness, while also acknowledging the inevitability of change and the inability to reverse the past.
