Summary

The article discusses Solange's song "Cranes in the Sky," its inspiration, and the themes of dealing with depression through various means, ultimately leading to the realization that self-love is key to happiness.

Abstract

Solange's "Cranes in the Sky" has resonated deeply with the author, drawing parallels between the imagery of cranes and personal struggles with depression. The song's lyrics reflect attempts to escape emotional turmoil through distractions such as sex, reading, and shopping, which the author identifies with. The music's peaceful and relaxing qualities, reminiscent of Asian influences, provide a backdrop to the introspective journey Solange describes. The article emphasizes that despite these temporary fixes, true happiness is found in self-love, free from the need for external validation or consumption. The piece also touches on the inspiration behind the song, which came from the construction cranes Solange saw in Miami, symbolizing the idea of building up without addressing underlying issues.

Opinions

The author associates the song with Japan, possibly due to the imagery of cranes and certain Asian-sounding elements in the music.
Solange's song is seen as a poignant commentary on the futility of material and superficial distractions as a means to cope with depression.
The construction cranes in Miami inspired Solange and served as a metaphor for her personal transition and the broader societal tendency to avoid confronting deeper issues.
The author believes that self-love is the foundation of true happiness and fulfillment, transcending the temporary pleasures of consumption and external validation.
The article suggests that modern society often promotes misguided solutions for emotional voids, such as excessive shopping or sexual encounters.
The author finds empowerment in the message of self-love, which also allows for deeper connections with others.

“I Sexed It Away” — I Have Been Digging Solange’s “Cranes in the Sky” Lately

The music caught my attention, then the lyrics hooked me

Solange in “Cranes in the Sky” from her YouTube video. Courtesy Saint Heron Records.

Solange’s 2016 song, “Cranes in the Sky” makes me think of Japan.

Maybe it is the vision of cranes.

I see them flying through the sky.

The gentle plucking of strings.

Solange’s music is peaceful and relaxing.

Well it’s like cranes in the sky Sometimes I don’t wanna feel those metal clouds Yeah it’s like cranes in the sky Sometimes I don’t wanna feel those metal clouds

— Solange, “Cranes in the Sky”

Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

Certain elements in the music sound Asian to me.

I wish I knew more about music so I could name the sound.

But, when I hear it, the instrument invokes Asian music.

Solange says the cranes she sings about were inspired by construction cranes she saw in Miami.

“I remember looking up and seeing all of these cranes in the sky. They were so heavy and such an eyesore, and not what I identified with peace and refuge,” Solange explains in the interview. Turning lemon into lemonade, Solo says she found inspiration in the cranes, adding, “I remember thinking of it as an analogy for my transition — this idea of building up, up, up that was going on in our country at the time, all of this excessive building, and not really dealing with what was in front of us. ”

I picked up on Solange’s lyrics unconsciously.

Solange sings about depression and trying to do things to make her depression go away.

I tried to keep myself busy I ran around circles Think I made myself dizzy I slept it away, I sexed it away I read it away

— Solange, “Cranes in the Sky”

Like moving, reading, sexing, buying.

All of the things our modern society tells us will make us feel better.

Of course, consuming never helps because we are still empty after the drinking or buying or sexing is done.

What I have found is the key to happiness is self-love.

I can be happy when I love myself.

I don’t need externalities.

It is empowering to love myself.

It let’s me fully love you too.

A Shorter First Draft Version Was Originally published at https://x29.co on June 27, 2020.