Welcome Home, Son

The song 'Welcome Home, Son' by Radical Face, the musical project of Ben Cooper, is a hauntingly beautiful track that delves into themes of memory, loss, and the longing for a sense of home. The lyrics are rich with metaphor and evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and introspection. The opening lines, 'Sleep don't visit, so I choke on sun, And the days blur into one,' suggest a restless mind, one that is overwhelmed by the passage of time and the weight of unfulfilled dreams.

The imagery of 'sheets swaying from an old clothesline' and 'captured ghosts' paints a picture of a past that is both cherished and mournful. The phrase 'Welcome home' serves as a refrain, offering a bittersweet sense of return to a place that holds significant emotional weight. The song's protagonist seems to be grappling with their past, as indicated by the 'ships launching from my chest,' which could symbolize the release of pent-up emotions or memories.

The latter part of the song, 'All my nightmares escaped my head,' suggests a confrontation with inner demons or fears. The plea to 'bar the door' indicates a desire to prevent these thoughts from taking over, highlighting a struggle for mental peace. The physical sensation of feeling 'thumbs press into my skin again' underlines the visceral nature of these memories or experiences. Overall, 'Welcome Home, Son' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, reflecting on the complexities of returning to one's roots and the emotional turmoil that can accompany it.