Near Town

The Amazing Broken Man's song 'Near Town' delves into the complex interplay of memory, regret, and the haunting nature of past sins. The opening lines, 'Airplane noises breaking in / A long forgotten pattern of sins,' set a somber tone, suggesting the intrusion of past mistakes into the present. The imagery of 'kids lined up / On a mountain near town' evokes a sense of innocence lost, perhaps hinting at a pivotal moment in the past that continues to reverberate through the narrator's life.

The recurring line 'Hold your breath for a while / Always some hope in denial' speaks to the human tendency to cling to hope, even when it is rooted in denial. This hope is juxtaposed with the harsh reality that 'What is lost might come back / Only in vicious thoughts / Around your head,' indicating that the past can only be revisited through painful memories. The use of the word 'vicious' underscores the torment these thoughts bring, circling the mind like predators.

The chorus, 'So take it / If you need it now / You need it underground / You fall / It eats you to the bone,' suggests a desperate grasp for something buried deep within, perhaps a buried truth or a suppressed emotion. The imagery of being 'eaten to the bone' conveys the consuming nature of these hidden aspects, leaving the individual feeling hollow and exposed. The repetition of 'Hold your breath for a while' reinforces the theme of enduring pain and the fleeting nature of hope, as the cycle of memory and regret continues to haunt the narrator.

'Near Town' is a poignant exploration of the lingering effects of past actions and the struggle to reconcile with them. The Amazing Broken Man uses evocative imagery and haunting melodies to create a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone who has grappled with the ghosts of their past.