"Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors" by Editors is a song that explores themes of isolation, loss, and the impact of societal pressures. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who feels disconnected from the world around them, as symbolized by the blindfold covering their eyes. The song begins with the protagonist running through a field of trees, away from everything they have ever known. This suggests a desire to escape the familiar and embrace something new. However, they also express a sense of sadness and weariness, indicated by the reference to dirty hands from being in "the wars" and the observation of smokers outside the hospital doors as the saddest thing they've ever seen. The line "How can we wear our smiles with our mouths wide shut" showcases the suppression of emotions and the inability to express oneself fully. The protagonist feels silenced and restricted, unable to sing and connect with others due to external influences. The repeated plea to "turn me/turn us around" and the desire to start over again signify a yearning for a fresh start or a chance to escape the current state of discontentment. They want to break free from the emotional turmoil and find a sense of renewal. The lines "We've all been changed from what we were, our broken hearts left smashed on the floor" speak to the transformative power of experiences and hardships. The protagonist acknowledges that they, along with everyone else, have been altered by their past, with their hearts metaphorically shattered. Despite this, they still hold on to a glimmer of hope and a desire to heal and regain what has been lost. Overall, "Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors" highlights the internal struggles, feelings of isolation, and longing for connection in the face of external pressures and societal expectations. It communicates a sense of vulnerability and the universal human experience of change and loss.
