"Don't wait for tomorrow to live for today."
Clouds - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Clouds
The song and the symbol of "clouds" represent both the physical act of ascending and a metaphorical journey towards peace, the afterlife, and a higher perspective. The lyrics, "Go up in the clouds because the view's a little nicer," suggest finding tranquility and a better outlook despite earthly struggles. It symbolizes Zach's acceptance of his death and his hopeful vision of what lies beyond.
This is the title of Zach's most famous song, which he writes after having a moment of inspiration on a flight home. The song becomes an anthem within the film, sung by the crowd at his final concert when he is too weak to sing it himself. In the final scene, his friends see a cloud in the sky shaped like the letter 'Z', signifying his enduring presence.
Nissan GTR
The Nissan GTR symbolizes Zach's unfulfilled dreams and the desire for a normal life full of experiences he will never have. It represents speed, freedom, and the future he had imagined for himself before his diagnosis became terminal. Getting to drive one, even for a short time, is a powerful moment of wish fulfillment.
Zach has a poster of the car on his wall and dreams of driving one. His father, feeling helpless in the face of the illness, arranges for him to drive a GTR for a week as a surprise. In reality, it was the film's director, Justin Baldoni, who arranged for Zach to drive the car while filming the original "My Last Days" documentary.
A Firm Handshake
The name of Zach and Sammy's band symbolizes their deep, lifelong, and dependable friendship. It's a promise of their bond—solid, reliable, and something they can always count on, even as they face an uncertain future. It represents their partnership in both music and life.
Zach and Sammy choose "A Firm Handshake" as their band name before they sign a record deal with BMI and travel to New York City. The name reflects the quirky, heartfelt nature of their relationship and their music.
Philosophical Questions
What is the meaning of a 'good life' when it is cut short?
The film explores this question by contrasting a conventional long life (college, marriage, career) with Zach's reality. It suggests that the value of a life isn't measured by its duration, but by its depth and impact. Zach's teacher asks him what he wants to do with his "one, wild and precious life," forcing him to redefine success. By creating music that touches millions and strengthening his relationships, Zach achieves a profound sense of purpose, arguing that a meaningful life is one lived with intention and love, regardless of length.
How do we confront the inevitability of death?
"Clouds" presents a spectrum of reactions to death. Initially, there's denial and a search for miracles, like the family's trip to Lourdes. However, the core of the film's exploration is Zach's journey toward acceptance. It showcases the importance of open communication, as Zach and his mother discuss his funeral and end-of-life wishes. The film argues that confronting death directly, though painful, is what allows for a richer, more authentic experience of the life that remains.
What is our responsibility to those we leave behind?
A significant part of Zach's emotional struggle is his fear of hurting his loved ones. He tries to push Amy away to spare her pain, a common theme in such stories. The film ultimately suggests that his responsibility isn't to create distance, but to leave a legacy of love and happy memories. His songs are his final gift, a tangible piece of himself for his friends and family to hold onto, showing that the greatest responsibility is to love fully until the end.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Clouds" is a profound exploration of what it means to live a meaningful life when faced with limited time. Director Justin Baldoni intended the film to be not about sickness or death, but about life and hope, as seen through the eyes of someone who is dying. The central message, embodied by Zach Sobiech's own philosophy, is that one does not need to face mortality to begin living fully and appreciating every moment. The film posits that by confronting our own impermanence, we can shed superficial concerns and focus on what truly matters: love, friendship, family, and creating a positive impact.