Homerton High Street
Avantgardet Lyrics

The lyrics of Avantgardet's "Homerton High Street" delve into a deep exploration of the raw and often harsh realities experienced by individuals navigating life on Homerton High Street. The singer paints a vivid picture of their observations, starting with a sense of being surrounded by lies and the necessary shame that comes with it. The use of the word "nödvändiga" (necessary) suggests that these lies are part and parcel of the environment, perhaps serving to protect or maintain certain facades within the community.

The lyrics further highlight the contrast between outward appearances and inner struggles. The mention of "gråa inre" (gray interiors) that are extravagant on the outside portrays a sense of disparity and dissonance. This juxtaposition is exemplified through the character described as someone who is familiar to all yet seems disconnected from herself, emphasizing the complexity and layers of identity within the community.

The song also touches upon the sounds and emotions that characterize life on Homerton High Street. The references to children's cries on repeat, the impact of poignant poetry that evokes tears, and the cyclical nature of experiences since the singer arrived all add to the sense of a relentless and emotionally charged environment. It conveys a feeling of being caught in a loop of challenges and emotions that seem to define everyday life in this setting.

The final verses of the lyrics bring attention to the struggles faced by the marginalized and disenfranchised members of the community. The imagery of the unemployed emerging from a betting shop, their desolate gazes merging with the lottery ticket, is a poignant commentary on the often bleak prospects faced by those on the fringes of society. The mention of individuals without documentation, physically and metaphorically bound and wounded, further underscores the harsh realities and structural injustices that shape their existence on the street. The references to holes in the asphalt, frozen souls, and unhealed wounds mirror the pervasive sense of brokenness and longing for closure that permeates the singer's experience of Homerton High Street.