"Release (A Tale Of Outer Suburbia)" by Hands Like Houses tells a story about feeling trapped and disconnected in a seemingly familiar place. The song portrays a sense of darkness, emptiness, and a longing for change. The lyrics start by expressing a desire to escape the darkness that surrounds the narrator's life. They feel divided and restricted, yearning for light to seep in and bring a new perspective. The mention of trees without branches and hollow hives symbolizes the lifelessness and emptiness that the narrator perceives around them. The song then questions the purpose of our skin - is it to keep the outside world away or to confine our bodies within? The narrator feels like a stranger in their own environment, unable to recognize it as home. They feel the need to tear apart everything and isolate themselves, longing for sleep and solitude. The following verses express a transformation and empowerment. The narrator compares themselves to a flame, a forest fire, an avalanche - representing a fierce and unstoppable force. They are ready to unleash their unleashed anger and frustration. By roaring and tearing things apart, they aim to assert control and regain a sense of purpose. However, as the song progresses, the narrator's hope and faith dwindle. They feel lost and disconnected from the forest that once provided solace. The imagery of an empty stomach and fainting signifies their physical and emotional exhaustion. The absence of birds and natural sounds further emphasizes the disconnect from nature. The song concludes with a realization that the familiar surroundings have changed, and the narrator feels hollow inside. Each breath becomes a gamble with life, as it unravels towards an uncertain future. The repeated question of whether our skin serves to keep the world out or our bodies in reflects the confusion and disorientation felt by the narrator. In summary, "Release (A Tale Of Outer Suburbia)" is a song that depicts a feeling of alienation and the desire to break free from a suffocating environment. It explores themes of disillusionment, loss of faith, and the search for identity within the confines of a suburban setting.
