We're Never Coming Home
Molly Nilsson
Eternal Wanderers: The Youthful Disconnection in 'We're Never Coming Home'
Molly Nilsson's song 'We're Never Coming Home' captures the essence of youthful disconnection and the search for meaning in a world that feels both old and unwelcoming. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of young people navigating through life, feeling out of place in a society that seems stagnant and unchanging. The repeated imagery of 'red neon in the street' and 'cigarette smoke in our hair' evokes a sense of urban nightlife, where the characters are constantly moving but never finding a true sense of belonging.
The song's chorus, 'We're never coming home,' serves as a powerful metaphor for the feeling of perpetual displacement. Despite their youthful energy and beauty, the characters in the song are unable to find a place that feels like home. This sentiment is further emphasized by the lines 'We're so young in old places' and 'The world is old, old and freezing cold,' highlighting the stark contrast between their vibrant youth and the world around them. The sense of aimlessness is palpable, as they leave every party last, searching for something more but never quite finding it.
Nilsson's lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of change. The line 'It takes a while for our eyes to adjust to the light' suggests a struggle to adapt to new realities and the passage of time. The song's melancholic tone is underscored by the realization that, despite their efforts, they are 'never coming home.' This reflects a broader commentary on the human condition, where the search for meaning and belonging is a constant, yet often elusive, journey.