Vagabonds

New Model Army's song 'Vagabonds' captures the essence of a restless spirit, a yearning for freedom, and the timeless journey of those who feel perpetually out of place. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a group of individuals leaving the city, following the taillights in a river of red, symbolizing both the literal and metaphorical departure from the constraints of urban life. As the colors of the sunset fade, they embrace the darkness ahead, signifying the unknown and the adventure that lies beyond the familiar.

The chorus, 'We are old, we are young, we are in this together, Vagabonds and children, prisoners forever,' speaks to the unity and shared experience of those who wander. It highlights the idea that regardless of age, they are bound by a common desire for freedom and exploration. The term 'prisoners forever' suggests a paradoxical state where their quest for freedom also traps them in a cycle of perpetual movement and searching. Their 'pulses a-raging and eyes full of wonder' reflect the excitement and curiosity that drive them forward, kicking out behind them the remnants of their past.

The imagery of the 'Night-time City Beat' and the 'road-smell after the rain' evokes a sense of nostalgia and the allure of the open road. The song also touches on the theme of unfulfilled dreams and the enduring nature of childhood fantasies. The boy watching ships at the quayside, dreaming of faraway places, symbolizes the eternal longing for adventure and the unquenchable thirst for new experiences. This 'childhood romance' with the idea of exploration and freedom remains undying, even as the years and miles pass by. 'Vagabonds' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, the search for meaning, and the enduring spirit of those who wander.