Fugitive Motel
Elbow - Cast Of Thousands Lyrics
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Side of the road
Melt in a memory
Slide in a solitude
Not 'til I can read by the moon
Am I going anywhere
Not 'til I can read by the moon
It should reach you tomorrow
As it flies from the other side of the world
From my room in my fugitive motel
Somewhere in the dust bowl
Yeah it flies from the other side of the world
I'm tired, I said
You always look tired, she said
I'm admired, I said
You always look tired, she said
Not 'til I can read by the moon
I'm not going anywhere
Not 'til I can read by the moon
I blow you a kiss
It should reach you tomorrow
As it flies from the other side of the world
From my room in my fugitive motel
Somewhere in the dust bowl
Somewhere in the dust bowl
It flies from the other side of the world
The curtains stay closed
But everyone knows
You hear through the walls in this place
Cigarette holes for every lost soul
To give up the ghost in this place
Give me strength
Give me wings
Give me strength
Give me wings
I blow you a kiss
It should reach you tomorrow
Reach you tomorrow
It flies from the other side of the world
From my room in my fugitive motel
Somewhere in the dust bowl
Somewhere in the dust bowl
It flies from the other side of the world
The other side of the world
The other side of the world
(The other side of the world)
The lyrics to Elbow's "Fugitive Motel" explore themes of longing, isolation, and the yearning for connection. The song begins with a sense of being lost and disconnected, described as being "lost in a lullaby" and "melted in a memory." The singer finds solace in solitude, but at the same time, yearns for a sense of direction and purpose, symbolized by the desire to "read by the moon" before going anywhere.
The act of blowing a kiss becomes a metaphor for sending love and connection across vast distances. The singer imagines sending a kiss from their "room in my fugitive motel" in the dusty outskirts of civilization, all the way to the "other side of the world." This gesture represents a longing to bridge the physical and emotional gaps between people, regardless of their physical location.
The repetition of the phrase "you always look tired" suggests a depth of weariness and a desire for rest or escape. The singer seeks comfort in dialogues with someone else and in the mutual acknowledgment of their exhaustion. It reflects a yearning for understanding and a sense of validation in their shared experiences.
The third stanza shifts to describe a somewhat dysfunctional living situation, where the curtains stay closed and voices can be heard through the walls. This imagery creates a sense of confinement and transparency, as if privacy is non-existent. The mention of cigarette holes alludes to a coping mechanism used by the lost souls in this place, symbolizing a willingness to surrender to their circumstances.
The song ends with a plea for strength and liberation, culminating in the repetition of the lines "give me strength, give me wings." This reflects the desire to break free from the confines of the fugitive motel, the dusty surroundings, and the emotional weariness that permeates the song. The other side of the world becomes a metaphorical representation of the hope and possibility for something different or better.
In conclusion, "Fugitive Motel" delves into the themes of longing, isolation, and the yearning for connection. It speaks to the universal human desire for understanding, love, and purpose, set against a backdrop of physical and emotional exhaustion. The song captures the duality of seeking solace in solitude while also yearning for a sense of direction and meaningful connections with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Lost in a lullaby
Feeling immersed and captivated by a soothing, dreamlike state
Side of the road
Being isolated and neglected, like being left by the wayside
Melt in a memory
Getting absorbed and consumed by a nostalgic recollection
Slide in a solitude
Finding oneself slipping into a state of loneliness and seclusion
Not 'til I can read by the moon
Not making any progress or moving forward until a specific condition is met or until one gains a deeper understanding
Am I going anywhere
Questioning the direction and purpose of one's journey or existence
I blow you a kiss
Sending a heartfelt gesture or expression of affection
It should reach you tomorrow
Anticipating that the emotional message will be received in the future
As it flies from the other side of the world
Symbolizing the distance and separation between the sender and recipient of the kiss
From my room in my fugitive motel
Referring to a temporary and transient state of existence, characterized by a sense of being on the run or escaping
Somewhere in the dust bowl
Existing in a desolate and barren environment, both physically and emotionally
I'm tired, I said
Expressing fatigue and weariness
You always look tired, she said
Receiving a response from someone who perceives a perpetual state of exhaustion
I'm admired, I said
Acknowledging one's own popularity or esteem
Not 'til I can read by the moon
Reiterating the idea that progress or advancement is contingent upon gaining a deeper understanding
I'm not going anywhere
Asserting a lack of progress or movement in one's circumstances
The curtains stay closed
Creating a sense of secrecy and isolation by keeping the curtains shut
But everyone knows
Contrasting the appearance of privacy with the reality that others are aware and potentially judgmental
You hear through the walls in this place
Experiencing a lack of true privacy, as sounds and information can still be perceived from adjacent spaces
Cigarette holes for every lost soul
Symbolizing scars and vices left behind by individuals who have felt lost and disconnected
To give up the ghost in this place
Metaphorically surrendering and succumbing to the difficulties and challenges of the environment
Give me strength
Requesting inner resilience and fortitude
Give me wings
Seeking freedom and the ability to transcend limitations
(The other side of the world)
Indicating a geographical and metaphorical distance that separates two individuals
Reach you tomorrow
The expected timeframe for the message to reach its recipient
The other side of the world
Emphasizing the vast distance and separation between two individuals
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CRAIG LEE POTTER, GUY EDWARD JOHN GARVEY, MARK POTTER, MARK ELLIS POTTER, PETER JAMES TURNER, RICHARD BARRY JUPP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gillycoop
One of the the most beautiful songs ever written. Literally... In my opinion....
@henrikcarlsen1881
... but this version is a poor quality sound one.
@Onmysheet
The album version is miles better. The ending here is short.
@teavirus
you sir are so true
@michaelcraddock8579
I concur 100% ❤
@tesorotesoro1654
Mate you ain't wrong .
@Antonio_Ortiz
One of my all-time top-ten favorites, an honor shared with another classic of theirs, Powder Blue.
@benjaminrappit
So fucking good, my little brother lived with guy for a bit and they shared a Citroën 2cv together, this dude absolutely rocks and his music is absolutely unbelievable, Elbow are the most underrated beautiful band in a very Very Very long time
@mauonline
One of the bests albums of the last decade. So many good and sad memories I have thanks to this song and the entire album. Elbow still remains as one of my favorite bands of all the times.
@kemikalrxn
A truly exceptional song, from a great album.