The Plane That Never Lands

AJR's "The Plane That Never Lands" is a poignant exploration of the desire to escape reality and the fear of confronting uncomfortable truths. The song's protagonist wishes for the plane to remain airborne indefinitely, symbolizing a reluctance to face the inevitable challenges and conversations awaiting them on the ground. This metaphor of perpetual flight represents a longing for a suspended state where time stands still, allowing the protagonist to avoid the pressures and expectations of real life.

The lyrics delve into the protagonist's aversion to small talk and mundane interactions, yet they paradoxically express a willingness to endure these inconveniences to delay the inevitable. The mention of watching "every shitty movie known to man" and hoping for the elevator to break further emphasizes a desire to prolong the journey, no matter how tedious, to avoid reaching a destination fraught with emotional confrontation. This reflects a common human tendency to seek comfort in the familiar, even if it means enduring discomfort, to avoid facing difficult truths.

At the heart of the song is a fear of rejection and the uncertainty of love. The protagonist's hope that their partner is asleep when they return home underscores a deeper anxiety about the state of their relationship. The line "You don't really wanna marry me, do you dear?" reveals a vulnerability and fear of commitment, suggesting that the protagonist is not ready to face the potential end of a relationship. By wishing to remain "in the air," they are metaphorically avoiding the grounding reality of their personal life, highlighting a universal struggle with confronting one's fears and insecurities.