A Sort Of Homecoming
Paul Keeley Lyrics


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I spent the winter on the verge
Of a total breakdown while living in Norway
I felt the darkness of the black metal bands
But being such a fawn of a man
I didn′t burn down any old churches
Just slept way too much, just slept
My mind rejects the frequency, it's static craziness to me
Is it a solar fever?
The TV man is too loud, our plane is sleeping on a cloud
You turn the dial, I′ll try and smile
We've eaten plastic weather, this family sticks together
We will escape from the south to the west side
My mind rejects the frequency, it's just verbosity to me
[Incomprehensible]
I spent the winter with my nose buried in a book
While trying to restructure my character
′Cause it had become vile to its creator
And through many dreadful nights
I lay praying to a saint that nobody has heard of
And waiting for some high times to come again
My mind rejects the frequency, it′s static craziness to me
Is it a solar fever?
The TV man is too loud, our plane is sleeping on a cloud
You turn the dial, I'll try and smile
We′ve eaten plastic weather, this family sticks together
We will escape from the south to the west side
My mind rejects the frequency, it's just verbosity to me
[Incomprehensible]
Dirty old shadow, stay away
Don′t play your games with me
I am older now, I see the way you operate
If you don't hurt me then you die
My mind rejects the frequency, it′s static craziness to me
Is it a solar fever?
The TV man is too loud, our plane is sleeping on a cloud
You turn the dial, I'll try and smile
We've eaten plastic weather, this family sticks together
We will escape from the south to the west side




My mind rejects the frequency, it′s just verbosity to me
[Incomprehensible]

Overall Meaning

In the song "A Sort of Homecoming," Paul Keeley describes his experiences during a cold and dark winter in Norway. He states that he was on the verge of a total breakdown, possibly due to the harsh weather conditions or the isolation he may have experienced while living there. He mentions the influence of black metal bands from Norway, known for their violent and controversial history. Despite his admiration for the genre, he did not succumb to the extreme behavior commonly associated with it. Instead, he spent most of his time sleeping and trying to restructure his character.


The lyrics describe his struggle with negative thinking and a distorted perception of reality, symbolized by the static on the TV and the plastic weather. He also mentions his rejection of the frequency, implying a refusal to conform to society's norms and expectations. In the final verse, he addresses his fears and declares his independence from the shadow, which may represent a negative influence or his own inner demons. He asserts that he is older and wiser now, and will not let the shadow control him.


Line by Line Meaning

I spent the winter on the verge
I endured a trying winter, nearly falling apart


Of a total breakdown while living in Norway
I struggled with mental health issues while residing in Norway


I felt the darkness of the black metal bands
I experienced the intense feelings conveyed in black metal music


But being such a fawn of a man
Despite my admiration for the music, I am not inclined to engage in extreme acts of rebellion


I didn't burn down any old churches
I did not participate in the violent acts that some black metal fans are infamous for


Just slept way too much, just slept
Instead, I coped by sleeping excessively


My mind rejects the frequency, it's static craziness to me
I find certain stimuli overwhelming and difficult to process


Is it a solar fever?
I question whether the cause of my discomfort is physical or psychological


The TV man is too loud, our plane is sleeping on a cloud
I find my surroundings disorienting, and struggle to find a sense of calm or stability


You turn the dial, I'll try and smile
I attempt to make the best of things by shifting my focus


We've eaten plastic weather, this family sticks together
My family and I have been through difficult times, but remain unified


We will escape from the south to the west side
We hope to find a better situation elsewhere


I spent the winter with my nose buried in a book
I coped with my struggles by reading extensively


While trying to restructure my character
I aimed to make positive changes in my life


'Cause it had become vile to its creator
I recognized that my previous behavior was harmful and needed to change


And through many dreadful nights
I suffered through difficult and challenging times


I lay praying to a saint that nobody has heard of
I sought comfort and guidance from an obscure figure


And waiting for some high times to come again
I hoped for better times in the future


Dirty old shadow, stay away
I seek to avoid negative influences in my life


Don't play your games with me
I am not interested in engaging with manipulative individuals


I am older now, I see the way you operate
Through experience, I have learned to recognize manipulative behavior


If you don't hurt me then you die
I assert my boundaries and will not tolerate harmful behavior


My mind rejects the frequency, it's just verbosity to me
I view certain messages as inconsequential or meaningless




Writer(s): Robert Doell

Contributed by Maria L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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