North Point

Mike Oldfield's song 'North Point' delves into themes of confinement, despair, and the quest for freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a prison, referred to as North Point, where the walls are 'dark and cold and grey.' This setting symbolizes a place of isolation and hopelessness, where the inmates are left to their own gloom. The writing on the wall speaks to a silent room, indicating a sense of unspoken suffering and a lack of communication or understanding from the outside world.

The chorus introduces a sense of yearning and frustration, with the lines 'How could we get any closer, so high is the wire / And the guards won't listen / They won't believe me.' This suggests a barrier not just physical but also emotional and psychological, where the inmates' pleas for understanding and connection go unheard. The mention of a new day rising 'somewhere far above' hints at a glimmer of hope and the possibility of escape or transcendence beyond the oppressive environment of North Point.

In the latter part of the song, a shift occurs. On a 'bright day at North Point,' the gates are open wide, revealing a million stars and a sense of liberation. This transformation from a 'silent tomb' to a place where they 'left for the moon' symbolizes a journey from despair to hope, from confinement to freedom. The stars and the moon represent dreams, aspirations, and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the prison walls. Oldfield's evocative lyrics and haunting melody capture the emotional depth of this journey, making 'North Point' a powerful exploration of the human spirit's resilience and desire for freedom.