Boston

Dermot Kennedy's song 'Boston' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, longing, and the search for a place of belonging. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of past memories and the emotional landscapes they inhabit. The opening lines, 'For the wolves we fought when a child was brave,' evoke a sense of childhood bravery and the battles faced during those formative years. The mention of 'days on a Southern strand' and pretending to be touring suggests a time of innocence and imagination, where the world was full of possibilities.

The recurring imagery of fire throughout the song symbolizes both warmth and destruction. The lines 'The sun and your eyes were the only fire' and 'Lit a holy fire' suggest a deep, intimate connection with someone, where their presence is both comforting and consuming. This duality of fire reflects the intensity of the emotions Kennedy is grappling with—both the warmth of cherished memories and the pain of their absence.

The chorus, 'Take me back to places I feel loved in / Maybe failing that, take me to Boston,' underscores a yearning for a sense of home and belonging. Boston, in this context, represents a place of refuge and familiarity amidst the chaos of life. The song's narrative of wandering through cities and feeling lost highlights the universal human experience of searching for a place where one truly belongs. Kennedy's evocative lyrics and soulful delivery make 'Boston' a deeply resonant song about the complexities of memory, love, and the quest for home.