Whether With You

Crowded House's song "Whether With You" delves into the emotional landscapes that we carry with us, regardless of our physical location. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with internal turmoil and the sense of being stuck in a familiar yet altered environment. The opening lines, "Walking 'round the room singing / Stormy Weather / at 57 Mt. Pleasant St.," set the stage for a narrative where the external world remains unchanged, but the internal world is in flux. This juxtaposition highlights the theme of internal versus external reality, suggesting that our emotional state can profoundly affect our perception of the world around us.

The song employs rich metaphors to convey its message. The line, "You can fight the sleep but not the dream," suggests that while we may try to control our circumstances, our subconscious and emotions often have the final say. The mention of historical figures like Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire, who "Couldn't conquer the blue sky," serves as a powerful metaphor for the futility of trying to control or conquer one's emotional state. The blue sky symbolizes a sense of peace and clarity that remains elusive despite one's efforts.

The chorus, "Everywhere you go you always take the weather with you," encapsulates the song's central theme. It suggests that our emotional state is a constant companion, influencing our experiences and interactions no matter where we are. The imagery of a "small boat made of china" going nowhere on the mantlepiece further emphasizes feelings of stagnation and the struggle to break free from emotional inertia. The choice between lying "like a loungeroom lizard" or singing "like a bird released" represents the internal conflict between succumbing to one's emotional state and striving for emotional liberation.