The lyrics of Hands Like Houses' song "Don't Look Now, I'm Being Followed. Act Normal" depict a sense of exploration, uncertainty, and longing for familiarity. The song begins with the questioning of whether the place they have reached is the edge of the world. The protagonist and their companions have ventured so far that they feel disconnected from what they know. They have chased the horizon until it is beneath their feet, but they remain adrift and without a sense of direction. The lights of the north and the constellations are foreign to them, further emphasizing their unfamiliarity and disorientation. They continue their search for a recognizable place, guided by imaginary compasses and the hope that they will find solid ground. However, the cold and desolate surroundings start to take a toll on them. The frost is sinking in, numbing their senses and adding to their desperation. The winter solstice symbolizes the never-ending darkness and despair they face daily. Despite the breathtaking view of their surroundings, the beauty is lost on them. They are unable to truly appreciate it due to their disoriented state. They long for familiarity, for the sun to make the coastlines visible so they can have a sense of where they stand. The repetition of "Make canvas of coastlines" represents their yearning for something stable and tangible amidst the unknown. Overall, the song conveys a sense of longing for familiarity and a struggle to find their place in a new and unfamiliar environment. It explores themes of disorientation, isolation, and the search for grounding in the midst of uncertainty.
