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Western Homes
Pavement Lyrics


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Your western homes are locked forever
The new frontier is not that near
Magnetic screens that fold in backward
Will only bring you years of fear
This is what I always wanted,
A new home with a place to breathe
Bring your congregation someday
And you will never
Never see what I want
I can't see what I want
Can't see what I want
I can't see what I want
What I want
Can't see

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pavement's song Western Homes evoke a sense of disillusionment with the idea of the "new frontier" and the American Dream. The idea of the west as a place of opportunity and freedom is locked away in the past, forever out of reach. The singer seems to be searching for a new home where they can find a sense of space and freedom, but they are surrounded by fear and uncertainty. The magnetic screens that are supposed to keep out bugs and pests instead become a source of anxiety and apprehension.


The repetition of the phrase "I can't see what I want" throughout the song reinforces this theme of disillusionment and dissatisfaction. The singer cannot find what they are looking for, and it is unclear whether they even know what that is. The reference to a congregation suggests a religious or spiritual aspect to the singer's search, but it is equally possible that they are searching for a community or a sense of belonging. The song ends on this unresolved note, with the singer still unable to find what they want or need.


Overall, the lyrics to Western Homes are a bleak commentary on the failed promises of the American Dream and the difficulty of finding meaning and purpose in a society that often feels empty and alienating.


Line by Line Meaning

Your western homes are locked forever
Your dreams of having a permanent home in the west will never be fulfilled


The new frontier is not that near
The new opportunities you seek in the west are not easily accessible


Magnetic screens that fold in backward
The technological advancements you may encounter in the west may not be as helpful as you think


Will only bring you years of fear
The unknown dangers of the west may only lead to years of anxiety and stress


This is what I always wanted,
The artist desired a new home in the west


A new home with a place to breathe
The singer wanted a fresh start in the west with a space to relax and unwind


Bring your congregation someday
The singer invites others to visit their new home in the west


And you will never...
However, those who visit will never fully understand what the artist truly desires


Never see what I want
They will never see the desire for a fulfilled, content life in the west that the artist yearns for


I can't see what I want
The artist struggles to see their ideal life in the unfulfilled reality of the west


Can't see what I want
The singer again acknowledges their inability to fully perceive their ideal life in the west


I can't see what I want
Once again, the artist expresses their struggle to envision their perfect life in the west


What I want
The singer is searching for their ideal life, but is unsure if it can be found in the west


Can't see
The singer continues to express their inability to see their ideal life in the west




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: Scott Kannberg, Stephen Malkmus

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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