Analyzing Keane's 'Somewhere Only We Know'

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Songs are one of the most powerful expressions of a writers emotions. The lyrics flow leaves a map of the thoughts the writer is pouring out for all to hear. The song “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane gives a nostalgic feeling of growing up and leaving a carefree life behind. This transition is hard for everyone who come upon it. Keane stresses this with his words, allowing every listener to hear that it is harder than anyone believes to give up the life they once knew. He shows the agony one goes through as they realize everything leave changes in time. His saddening words allow every listener to feel the grief of seeing what once brought them joy adjusting in the aging world. This reflection onto childhood leaves the provoking pain of one’s …show more content…
Listeners receive the idea of a forest filled with the lighthearted feeling of childhood. This forest gives the impression of safety and comfort away from the growing world. The world that continues to change into unfamiliarity as he grows older. The forest has been forced to attempt to grow with the world, yet the joy that continues to live in this sanctuary brings relief to Keane. This allows him to step away from the real world and have the childish happiness that he used to enjoy. The idea of a safe forest brings a fanciful feeling to all listeners. This forest became an escape for Keane enabling him to break away from the changing …show more content…
These symbols are subtly placed throughout his lyrics allowing his listener’s minds to run free with what message he is conveying inside his words. He represents the loneliness he feels as he “walked across an empty land” (Keane). This land allows him to see the abandonment that lies hidden in the world of adulthood. Keane also uses youthful imagination as to what is happening in this land. As he finds a tree that has fallen, he “felt the branches of it looking at me” (Keane). This once beautiful tree has been tossed aside. This personifies the tree as though it is asking Keane for his help. The change in the world broke the tree, leaving it helplessly idol in the land that everyone grows out

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