Circle
Journey South Lyrics
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And I know golden June can turn an empty grey against your window
And I feel like I'm on the outside of a circle
If I walk by the trees I'll catch the falling leaves if the wind blows
And I know all this means is whiling on the hours watching side-shows
And I feel like I'm on the outside of a circle
I'm going somewhere I can warm my bones
Fare you well I'll carry me away
And sing for those I know upon their birthdays
And I feel like I'm on the outside
I won't feel like I'm on the outside
The song "Circle" by Journey South is a melancholic piece that talks about feeling like an outsider or an observer of life, instead of being an active participant. The first verse talks about a Saturday afternoon where the sun is shining, but despite the brightness outside, the singer feels "on the outside of the circle" - as if he is removed from the joy of being in the moment. This feeling of detachment is magnified by the contrast between the "golden June" and the "empty grey" that he sees through his window. This could symbolize the singer's own emotional state - feeling out of place despite the good things happening around him.
The second verse continues with the theme of feeling disconnected from the world. The imagery of walking by trees and catching falling leaves is a romanticized version of idling away time, and the phrase "watching side-shows" emphasizes the sense of being a passive observer rather than an active participant. Towards the end of the verse, the singer contemplates changing his course and seeking warmth, but he is unsure if that will bring him the sense of belonging he craves.
The chorus brings the song to a conclusion on a somewhat optimistic note. The singer declares that he won't feel like an outsider anymore, and that he will celebrate life with those he knows upon their birthdays. This is a recognition that human connection and celebrations can bring people together, and that it's possible to overcome the sense of isolation and detachment through shared experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Saturday afternoon the sunshine pours like wine through the window
The singer observes the beautiful sunshine pouring through the window on a Saturday afternoon
And I know golden June can turn an empty grey against your window
The singer acknowledges that while June can be a picturesque month, it can also be dismal and dreary
And I feel like I'm on the outside of a circle
The singer feels like they are excluded from a certain group or situation
If I walk by the trees I'll catch the falling leaves if the wind blows
The singer comments that they have enough free time to leisurely watch the natural surroundings
And I know all this means is whiling on the hours watching side-shows
The singer acknowledges that their idle state is a waste and has no real purpose
And I feel like I'm on the outside of a circle
The singer expresses again their feeling of exclusion from a particular social or cultural group
Will I turn my coat to the rain but I don't know
The singer is unsure if they will/can adapt to changing circumstances
I'm going somewhere I can warm my bones
The singer is seeking out a comfortable and cozy location
Fare you well I'll carry me away
The singer says goodbye, stating that they will rely on themselves to move forward
And sing for those I know upon their birthdays
The singer will take the time to celebrate and acknowledge the important people in their life
And I feel like I'm on the outside
The singer is still experiencing feelings of exclusion
I won't feel like I'm on the outside
The singer hopes to overcome this feeling of disconnect in the future
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREG SAGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind