The Fortnight Saga
Squeeze Lyrics


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Business as usual at the harmony home
Up for the weekend to see my father
So I'm the one beneath the unturned stone
I begin the ritual fortnight saga
Get in the cab, bags packed with clothes
Cassette player, the jungle of hose
A pair of shoes for walking in
Out of the cab, the doorbell rings

Hungover greetings from the man in my life
A hug, a kiss, and a mug by the fire
He says I should need a woman I might like
I drop my bags and walk right by her

Get in the bath, bubbles up high
Cassette player plays in the night
She's at the door, wants to come in
I'm in the bath, I loudly sing

Business as usual at the harmony home




I can't believe it how time flies
I'm waving

Overall Meaning

goodbye
Saying that I'll be back in a fortnight's time


The lyrics of "The Fortnight Saga" by Squeeze tell a story of a man returning to his childhood home to see his father, but the focus is on the odd and uncomfortable interactions he has with the people he encounters. It starts with the man preparing for his journey, getting in the cab with his bags packed and his cassette player ready. He describes the various items he has packed, including a pair of shoes for walking in. When he arrives at the house, he is greeted by his father and his mother's new partner, who he refers to as "the man in my life". He is uncomfortable around her and ignores her, heading straight for a bath. As he relaxes in the tub, she knocks on the door, but he ignores her and loudly sings to drown her out. The song ends with him saying goodbye, promising to return in two weeks and acknowledging how quickly time flies.


The song seems to explore the discomfort that can come from returning to a place that was once familiar but now feels strange. The singer seems to be struggling with his relationships with both his father and his mother's new partner, and there is a sense of tension and unease throughout the lyrics. The bath scene, in particular, is a depiction of his need to retreat and avoid awkward interactions, highlighting his emotional state throughout the visit.


Line by Line Meaning

Business as usual at the harmony home
Nothing has changed in the home, everything is the same.


Up for the weekend to see my father
Going to see my father for the weekend.


So I'm the one beneath the unturned stone
I am the one who is exploring new things and discovering untouched areas.


I begin the ritual fortnight saga
Starting my every other week routine.


Get in the cab, bags packed with clothes
Getting into a taxi with my luggage.


Cassette player, the jungle of hose
I have a cassette player and a mess of tangled headphones.


A pair of shoes for walking in
Bringing shoes suitable for walking.


Out of the cab, the doorbell rings
Arriving at my destination and being greeted by someone who rings the doorbell.


Hungover greetings from the man in my life
I am being greeted by the man in my life who is hungover from the night before.


A hug, a kiss, and a mug by the fire
We hug, kiss, and have some hot drinks together by the fire.


He says I should need a woman I might like
He suggests that I might need a woman in my life that I would like.


I drop my bags and walk right by her
I ignore the suggestion and continue on without paying any attention to the woman he mentioned.


Get in the bath, bubbles up high
I take a bath with lots of bubbles.


Cassette player plays in the night
I listen to music on my cassette player during the night.


She's at the door, wants to come in
A woman comes to the door and wants to join me.


I'm in the bath, I loudly sing
I am singing loudly while still in the bath.


Business as usual at the harmony home
Everything is still the same at the home.


I can't believe it how time flies
I am surprised at how quickly time has passed by.


I'm waving
I am bidding farewell and waving goodbye.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CHRIS DIFFORD, GLENN TILBROOK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Paul Reinschmidt

I still have the vinyl but no way to play it at the moment. Thanks for posting this little known gem! It elicits such nostalgia for me.

flimbar

Does a song get to sound any more ultra-80s than this? Love the bassline, best track from Cosi Fan Tutti (bonus edition).

Danyo Man

Nice tune. I had the Hits of the Year single and this was the b side.

thesecretlives ofcats

great vid! nice to hear this b-side!

Andy B

Too good for a b-side! A track that Cosi could have done with

lot maakchos

I wish it didn't sound like shit. Great song though.

lot maakchos

Amen brotha!

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