"House On The Hill" by Emma Pollock tells the story of a person reflecting on the mistakes and regrets of their past. The song opens with the narrator admitting that they made a fool of themselves while growing up in the house on the hill. They were desperate for attention and constantly seeking more. The song suggests that the narrator may have been involved with the boy next door, only to realize that he had seen right through their intentions. This could imply that the narrator was naïve and easily taken advantage of. The lyrics emphasize the town's awareness of the narrator's actions as rumors spread around. As time passes, the narrator acknowledges that they wish they could relive their past and make better choices. However, it is now too late to change what has already transpired. The narrator understands that the person they are singing to is now gazing upon the house they once lived in, symbolizing the distance and disconnect between them. The song then jumps ahead to the narrator's experience of starting school, where they once again find themselves involved with a boy, potentially in a dormitory setting. However, this time the outcome is similar, as the boy never saw the narrator's true intentions. The lyrics suggest that the narrator's desire for affection overshadowed their self-preservation instincts. The song shifts perspective and guides the listener to imagine a meeting between the narrator and the person they sing to. The narrator wonders if this meeting triggers any reminiscent feelings of their own first love or first kiss. They ponder if the person experienced similar patterns of falling too quickly, not realizing the consequences. As the song concludes, the narrator asks the person looking from the house on the hill, metaphorically representing a place of reflection, to remember their struggles and how they gave too much to someone who took advantage of them. The lyrics unveil a level of emotional vulnerability and regret. Overall, "House On The Hill" explores themes of youth, mistakes, and the longing for a chance to rewrite the past. It showcases the narrator's introspection and reflection on their past choices and relationships, leaving them with a sense of longing for a different outcome.
