"A Tale Of Outer Suburbia" by Hands Like Houses is a song that explores themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the inner turmoil of trying to find one's place in the world. The lyrics describe a sense of darkness and emptiness that the narrator is trying to break free from. The opening line, "Pry the darkness from my eyes," suggests a desire to escape the metaphorical darkness that surrounds them. The mention of trees devoid of branches and hollow hives represents a barren and lifeless environment, symbolizing a lack of growth and vitality in the narrator's surroundings. There is a feeling of something being different, something changing. The narrator mentions that they were unable to see past the trees before but now they can. This suggests a newfound clarity or awareness of their environment and the unfamiliarity of it all. The phrase "a thousand unfamiliars are lying thick on the air" implies a sense of confusion and unease in the face of an overwhelming number of unknowns. The chorus emphasizes the dichotomy between protecting oneself from the outside world and feeling trapped within one's own body. The question of whether our skin is meant to keep the world out or our bodies in poses a philosophical and existential inquiry. The repeated line "This doesn't look like home" reflects a disconnection from one's surroundings and a longing for a sense of belonging. The following verses delve deeper into the narrator's inner turmoil and their desire to break free from their circumstances. The imagery of a flame, a forest fire, and an avalanche represents the narrator's inner strength, power, and determination. They are ready to unleash their true selves and tear down anything that stands in their way. The song continues to express feelings of loss and despair. The forest, which can be seen as a metaphor for the narrator's inner self or their sense of security, has changed and become scarred. The absence of birds and the prevalence of artificial noise further emphasize the theme of disconnection from nature and a loss of authenticity. The final lines of the song highlight the physical and emotional toll this journey has taken on the narrator. They mention feeling empty, faint, and hollow inside. Each breath becomes a gamble, symbolizing the uncertain nature of life and the fragility of existence. Overall, "A Tale Of Outer Suburbia" explores the longing for authenticity, the search for identity, and the struggle to find a place where one truly belongs in an increasingly artificial and disconnected world.
