"I'm Leaving" is a song by Gilbert O'Sullivan that conveys the singer's dissatisfaction with his current surroundings and his decision to leave. The lyrics depict a town that is on the brink of becoming a city, but the narrator feels that living there is not fulfilling his soul, despite the attractive women. The song highlights the narrator's determination to break free from the monotony and limitations of his current environment. He expresses his frustration with the lack of opportunities, depicted through references to shops, walls, pavements, and streets being the only things he could find. The line "I looked till I was blind" emphasizes his exhaustive search for something more meaningful. The narrator emphasizes that nothing can persuade him to stay in this place that is not good enough for him. He dismisses the idea that his avoidance of spending money in the town makes him funny, as he seeks correction and improvement everywhere he goes. The line "Jump high in the sky unless you're feeling bitter about walking down an empty street with gutters full of litter" suggests that even the physical environment fails to meet his standards. The outro reiterates the narrator's determination to leave, emphasizing that his mind is made up and he has had enough. He plans to depart immediately, pack his bags, and go away. The repetition of "hey, hey" in the outro adds a sense of urgency and finality to his decision. Overall, "I'm Leaving" conveys the protagonist's dissatisfaction with his current town or situation and his determination to seek a more fulfilling and satisfying life elsewhere.
