I Smell Winter
The Housemartins Lyrics

Now the sun was in my eyes
At the time, I couldn't see clearly due to the bright light of the sun

So forgive me if I was blind
Please pardon me if I failed to recognize something at that moment

But I can suddenly see the light
Now, I can clearly perceive the truth or reality of a situation

Now the blinds are raised
The barriers that previously kept me from seeing clearly have been removed

Now he's finally spoken
The season of winter has returned

Winter's finally broken
The oppressive coldness of winter has given way to change

Realize I'm heading
I am aware that I am moving towards

For colder days
A period when the temperature is low and the air is chilly

He can feel it just around the corner
Winter is approaching and he can sense it coming soon

He can feel it on every breath
The coldness of winter is noticeable in the air he breathes

And something tells him it's good goodbye summer
He senses that it's time to bid farewell to warm weather, summer, and all that it represents

And something tells him it's the kiss of death
He knows that the arrival of winter signifies certain death for some organisms and that it is a dangerous time of year

Losing at the tracks
Having failed or lost in a competition or race

(I smell)
(The scent)

Loosens all his taps
He loses control or restraint of his emotions or expressions

(Winter)
(As a result of winter season)

I smell winter on his breath
He can tell that winter has arrived by the chill in the person's breath

There's a chill down my spine
The low temperature and coldness of winter is causing a physical sensation in his body

(I smell)
(The scent)

But the weather's fine
Although it's winter, the weather is pleasant or agreeable

(Winter)
(As a result of winter season)

You better button up your coat
You should fasten the buttons on your coat to protect yourself from the cold

Or it will catch you in the pit of the throat
Neglecting to button up your coat could result in a discomforting sensation in your throat

You can certainly feel the wind blow
The air movement is strong enough to be felt and noticed

When you're by yourself
Especially when you're alone and unprotected from the elements

And when the snow has finally melted
After the end of winter season, when the frozen precipitation has thawed

You better think about who you shelter
Consider carefully who you provide protection or care for, as it may impact you in the future

'Cos one of these days
Because at some point in the future

It might just be someone else
The care and support you provide to others may become important to your own well-being in the future

And he's searched underground and overground for a partner
He has looked in every possible place for a companion, hoping to combat his loneliness

Played his harmonica 'til his lips were raw
He has resorted to playing his musical instrument for extended periods of time so that his emotional pain numbs his raw lips

He's looked through tins and rubbish bins just for an answer
He has gone through mundane places, seeking any form of resolution to his loneliness

So far each year he's drawn the shortest straw
However, each year he has been unlucky and unsuccessful in his attempts to find someone to share his life with

I smell winter
The arrival of winter is evident