Refugees

Van Der Graaf Generator's song 'Refugees' is a poetic exploration of displacement, longing, and the search for a new home. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey through different cardinal directions, each representing various stages and emotions in life. The North symbolizes a cold, unfeeling past, where hearts were 'ice locked' and people grew old without warmth. The South, in contrast, represents birth and the promise of life, though it is also marked by dryness, perhaps indicating a lack of emotional fulfillment.

The East is depicted as a place of awakening and unity, where the dawn brings life and the winds unify people. This section of the song suggests a period of peace and harmony, even in the face of societal sneers. The imagery of walking alone or hand in hand along the thin lines between sea and sand evokes a sense of fragile balance and fleeting moments of happiness. The realization that freedom is possible leads the refugees to move West, a direction symbolizing the end of days, transformation, and the promise of a golden future.

The West is portrayed as a place of finality and fulfillment, where the colors shift from grey to gold, and one can be with friends and loved ones. It is a place of refuge and love, embodied by the characters Mike and Susie. The refugees' journey to the West is both a physical and emotional migration, leaving behind a life they once knew and loved. Despite the uncertainty and lack of material possessions, the refugees find solace in their newfound freedom and the promise of a better life. The song captures the essence of human resilience and the enduring hope for a place to call home, even in the face of displacement and loss.