Home, home, where I wanted to goHome, home, where I wanted to goHome, home, where I wanted to goHome, home, where I wanted to go
The persona has finally resolved his doubt. His uncertainty is answered. “You are home.” He has finally reached his answer and has managed to reach his “home” at last
You areA shooting star
The metaphor of a shooting star suggests that the person is special, unique, and powerful, just like a shooting star that streaks across the sky and illuminates the darkness.
Confusion that never stopsClosing walls and ticking clocks
Time is passing, and the persona doesn’t know what’s going on. He’s stuck feeling the enigma of time, moving forward, yet remaining stationary, running out of time. This line also uses imagery to paint a picture of closing walls in the readers mind to symbolise a sense of being trapped or restricted, while the ticking clocks represent the relentless passage of time.
A tiger's waiting to be tamed, singin'
The persona feel like the world is waiting for him to take action, to do something, to try to make the world a better place. This links to the theme of urgency on “Clocks”, the restless energy in wanting to tackle near-impossible challenges (like taming wild animals) and not knowing where to start.
The lights go out and I can't be savedTides that I tried to swim againstHave brought me down upon my kneesOh, I beg, I beg and plead
The lyrics describe the feeling of pleading for salvation in the tide of doubt.
We learn here that the persona is full of doubt. "Tides" that he "swims against" is a metaphor for how it is sometimes very difficult to find answers.
And nothing else comparesOh, no, nothing else comparesAnd nothing else compares
The use of repetition in this line serves to emphasise the speaker's feelings and to create a sense of intensity and urgency. The fact that the line is repeated three times in succession also suggests that the speaker is trying to emphasise the point and drive it home and shows the devotion to someone or something that is of great importance to the speaker
Gonna come back and take you home
The persona is expressing an unshakeable conviction that they will return to the person they are addressing and take them home, regardless of any obstacles or challenges they may face. The persona is making a promise to the reader that they will return and take them home, and emphasising that nothing can stand in their way. This suggests that the persona is a powerful and determined force in the relationship, unyielding in their desire to be with the reader.
Singin' come out upon my seasCursed missed opportunities
This line personifies the seas, suggesting that they are a force to be reckoned with and that they have the power to either bring opportunities or curse missed chances. By personifying the seas, the lyrics create a sense of majesty and mystery, suggesting that the world is full of powerful and unpredictable forces.
You areYou areYou areYou areYou are
The repetition of the phrase "You are, you are" emphasises the importance of the listener, creating a sense of personal connection between the persona and the listener. By repeating this phrase, the persona is highlighting the listener's importance and emphasising their unique qualities.
Singin' come out upon my seas
The metaphor "Singin' come out upon my seas" is the speaker calling on the listener to come out onto the seas, which can be interpreted as an invitation to take risks and seize new opportunities. The curse of missed opportunities suggests that failing to take action can lead to regret and lost potential.
Cursed missed opportunities
The persona is regretting missing opportunities either out of laziness, procrastination, or simply having explored other paths. The line links to the theme of regret as he is thinking of what could have been if he had taken up those opportunities when they had presented themselves
And a trouble that can't be named
The persona is trying to figure out what is bothering him so much. He also might be trying to understand it more
Am I a part of the cureOr am I part of the disease? Singin'
The persona is wondering wether he is useful to the world or not, wether he is doing something marvellous or something terrible
Shoot an apple off my head
Though the persona is in doubt from all the things unsaid and unknown. The persona is still trying to trust the subject. It also may refer to him relieving someone of his own doubts.
Singin' come out of things un said
The persona is reminiscing about what was left unsaid in this relationship. It evokes the image of a meeting where no one spoke.