This House

Alison Moyet's song 'This House' is a poignant exploration of loss, loneliness, and the haunting presence of memories. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an empty house, once filled with life and love, now desolate and cold. The 'sticky hands' and 'empty place' symbolize the remnants of a past relationship, where the protagonist is left grappling with the void left behind. The house, a metaphor for the heart, is now a 'hovel,' emphasizing the depth of desolation and the struggle to move on without the loved one who once filled it with warmth and joy.

The recurring plea for shelter and warmth, 'Who will shelter me? It's cold in here. Cover me,' underscores the emotional and physical coldness the protagonist feels in the absence of their partner. The imagery of 'a strange body rolls and dips' under the fingertips suggests a sense of disconnection and alienation, even in moments of physical intimacy. This highlights the protagonist's yearning for the lost connection and the irreplaceable presence of their loved one.

Moyet's lyrics also delve into the torment of unanswered questions and the noise of 'lovers jousting,' which could represent the internal conflict and the external reminders of love that no longer exists. The protagonist's cry of 'I'm losing' from the window signifies a desperate attempt to reach out and be heard, yet feeling isolated and unheard. The song encapsulates the struggle of coping with loss, the search for solace, and the enduring pain of memories that linger in the empty spaces of the heart.