House on a Hill

Kamelot's song 'House on a Hill' is a poignant exploration of longing, despair, and the search for solace. The lyrics, delivered by Roy Khan and Simone Simons, weave a narrative of individuals grappling with their inner shadows and yearning for a place of peace and oblivion. The recurring imagery of a 'house on a hill' symbolizes a sanctuary, a place where one can escape the burdens of life and find eternal rest and love.

The song opens with Roy's lines, where he invites the listener to call him a liar, a king, or a fool, but to sing him a song of prosperity. This juxtaposition of titles suggests a struggle with identity and the desire for a better life. Simone's response, expressing her willingness to surrender and wait for eternity, highlights the theme of enduring hope amidst hardship. The shadow that hangs over them represents the emotional and psychological burdens they carry, which are hard to forget and constantly present.

As the song progresses, the plea to be taken 'home to a house on a hill, in oblivion' becomes a central motif. This house is not just a physical place but a metaphor for a state of being where one is free from pain and sorrow. The mention of 'godless endeavors' and 'smothered and broken' dreams underscores the sense of disillusionment and the quest for something more meaningful. The longing for love, rather than sympathy, speaks to a deep desire for genuine connection and understanding.

The imagery of starlight and the ocean further enriches the song's emotional landscape, suggesting a vast, almost cosmic search for peace and belonging. The repeated refrain of taking away the shadow over them encapsulates the core message of the song: the need to find a place or state where one can be free from the weight of their struggles and find true solace and love.