Who Can It Be Now?

Colin Hay's song 'Who Can It Be Now?' delves into themes of paranoia, isolation, and the desire for solitude. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply anxious about an unknown visitor knocking at their door. The repeated question, 'Who can it be now?' underscores the protagonist's fear and uncertainty. This sense of dread is amplified by the lines, 'Go 'way, don't come 'round here no more' and 'I'm very tired, and I'm not feeling right,' which suggest a person overwhelmed by their own mental state and desperate to avoid any external disturbances.

The song's narrative continues to build on this theme of isolation. The protagonist's actions, such as tip-toeing across the floor to avoid detection and expressing a preference for being alone, highlight a deep-seated need to escape from the outside world. The lyrics, 'I've done no harm, I keep to myself; There's nothing wrong with my state of mental health,' suggest a defensive stance, as if the protagonist feels the need to justify their reclusive behavior. This defensive tone hints at a struggle with mental health issues, possibly anxiety or agoraphobia, where the outside world is perceived as a threat.

The song also touches on the idea of fantasy versus reality. The line, 'It's not the future that I can see, It's just my fantasy,' indicates that the protagonist's fears may be more about their internal state than any real external threat. This blurring of lines between what is real and what is imagined adds a layer of complexity to the song, making it a poignant exploration of the human psyche. Colin Hay's delivery, combined with the haunting melody, effectively conveys the emotional turmoil and vulnerability of someone grappling with their own mind.