Plum won Triple J's National Indigenous Music Awards competition in 2012 and was nominated for a Deadly in Most Promising New Talent in Music and for an Unearthed J Award. She has toured around Australia and has been on rotation nationally on Triple J.
Around Here
Thelma Plum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna keep on walking
Cos I've been walking for days
And there are blisters in my feet
And they have turned to graze
It's like I'm walking through a maze
Of my own.
Just to turn around and find
You were running from yourself,
All the time.
Cos I don't care how much I lose,
Yeah I don't really mind.
Cos everything that once felt real does not feel anymore
Everything that once felt real does not feel anymore
Around here,
Around here.
La Di da, Di da, Di da da.
Fuck you.
Anymore. Anymore
Cos everything that once felt real does not feel anymore.
Cos everything that once felt real does not feel anymore.
Thelma Plum's song Around Here is a melancholic tune that deals with the themes of running away from oneself, losing one's sense of self, and feeling disconnected from the world around them. The song begins with the singer stating that they will keep on walking, even though they have been walking for days and their feet are blistered and grazed. The symbolism behind this wording is that the singer is lost and seeking a way out of their inner turmoil, even if it means enduring physical pain. The singer describes their mental and emotional state as a maze, which implies confusion and a lack of direction in life.
Further, the song emphasizes the idea that running away from something does not solve the problem as you end up running away from yourself all along. An intriguing aspect of this song is that the singer does not care about losing things and does not mind it either. It could be taken as the singer having given up on life or certain aspects of it. The phrase "everything that once felt real does not feel anymore" accentuates this loss of meaning and purpose, which could be due to emotional numbness or detachment.
The chorus, "Around Here," is emphasized, and it's indicating how the singer feels lost or disconnected. The contrasting and somewhat unexpected "La Di da, Di da, Di da da" and the forceful "Fuck you," add depth, acting as a way of expressing frustration or disillusionment with the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna keep on walking
I'm going to continue moving forward despite the difficulties.
Cos I've been walking for days
I've been on this journey for a long time.
And there are blisters in my feet
My journey has taken a physical toll on me.
And they have turned to graze
My blisters have now become wounds.
It's like I'm walking through a maze
My journey is confusing, and I'm not sure where I'm going.
Of my own.
I brought this confusion and uncertainty upon myself.
Cos running from something,
I was previously trying to escape a problem or situation.
Just to turn around and find
To my surprise, I realized that I was actually trying to avoid myself.
You were running from yourself,
I was trying to escape my own emotions and flaws.
All the time.
This has been a long-standing issue for me.
Cos I don't care how much I lose,
I no longer care about the consequences of my actions or journey.
Yeah I don't really mind.
I am accepting of any potential losses or hardships that may come my way.
Cos everything that once felt real does not feel anymore
The things that used to matter to me no longer have the same significance.
Around here,
In my current state or situation.
La Di da, Di da, Di da da.
An expression of disregard or indifference.
Fuck you.
A strong expression of anger or frustration towards someone or something.
Anymore. Anymore
Emphasizing that the artist's feelings have changed dramatically.
Cos everything that once felt real does not feel anymore.
Reiterating that the things that used to matter no longer do.
Cos everything that once felt real does not feel anymore.
Continuing to emphasize the change in the singer's perspective.
Writer(s): Thelma Plumbe Copyright: Sony/ATV Music Publishing Allegro (Aust) Pty
Contributed by Emma J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ginnger81
i know its hard to believe but i have watched her live like 5 times and she sounds better live! She has so much talent and an amazing voice!
@ralsharp6013
Love Thelmas vocal quiver. Such an inspiration, my daughter sings this song and "Rosie"...
Amazing talented songwriter
@majitobravom
i can't help but picture that dog walking on the side of a road... its kinda cute and weird... but im glad this song doesnt have a video... cause thats how i like to picture it <3
@ZavalaMax3
The energy behind this song is so amazing and fills me such... life, it's awesome. It's beautiful. ❤👍👆
@andreahughes3940
You are brilliant Thelma, love your music
@1979kath
so much love for you Thelma... and your music... it's magic :) x
@Kylie11724
Loving this song, Thelma. Well done!👌
@shiozza
This the one i heard the radio!
@Shenanigasms
amazing thelma. I hope you get the playtime and sales that your talents deserve.
@jesshneil
WHERE ARE ALL THE VIEWS THIS IS MADNESS!!!!!!