Strangeland

Keane's song 'Strangeland' delves into the complexities of a relationship that has ventured into unfamiliar and tumultuous emotional territory. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey, both literal and metaphorical, where the lovers set out with high hopes and dreams, symbolized by the map and the van filled with their possessions. The 'Strangeland' represents a place of uncertainty and disorientation, where the usual rules and expectations no longer apply. This land is not just a physical space but a state of mind where the couple finds themselves lost and struggling to make sense of their emotions and actions.

The recurring theme of being 'Strangeland blind' suggests a sense of helplessness and confusion. The lovers are unable to find a reason or rhyme to their situation, and there is a palpable sense of urgency and frustration as they are given 'no time to put things right.' This line underscores the fleeting nature of time and the missed opportunities to mend their relationship. The imagery of driving across borders and racing across wet sand evokes a sense of freedom and adventure, but it is tinged with a sense of impending doom as the relationship unravels.

The song also explores the pain of separation and the struggle to move on. The line 'You wound a rope around me and you pulled the knots in tight' conveys a sense of being trapped and manipulated, while 'shook me like a bad dream from your sight' suggests a harsh and abrupt end to the relationship. The 'sweetest thoughts get twisted in the Strangeland' highlights how even the most cherished memories can become tainted in the aftermath of a breakup. Ultimately, 'Strangeland' is a poignant reflection on the disorienting and often painful journey of love and loss, capturing the raw emotions and the struggle to find closure.