The song "Donovan" by Happy Mondays tells a story about a group of six people staying in an empty hotel, each with their own stories and problems. They are given pills to numb their minds and prevent their heads from swelling. The protagonist reflects on their upbringing, being born to a woman whose husband was successful. Despite the brightness of the sunshine, they choose to stay and face their reality instead of escaping. The character named "whitey" is introduced, who offers to uplift the protagonist by introducing them to pain and changing their life. The mention of the older wife with lame legs implies a complicated relationship dynamic. The chorus emphasizes the protagonist's decision to stay despite the temptation to escape, symbolized by the sunshine. The reference to tripping out suggests the possibility of taking drugs to escape reality. As the song progresses, it seems that the protagonist's companions or their flock have left or abandoned them, returning to a negative place represented as hell. The protagonist suggests keeping the doors open to prevent the place from becoming unpleasant, implying a sense of desolation. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that the protagonist has taken on various personas and identities, but no one else can truly understand or perceive these changes. The song concludes with the imagery of sunshine shining through the protagonist's asshole, a crude metaphor for a positive moment or revelation. Despite the opportunity for escape, the protagonist decides to stay, emphasizing their resilience and refusal to give up. Overall, the song "Donovan" reflects themes of isolation, struggle, and the choices we make to face or evade our problems. The lyrics offer a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships and the resilience required to navigate through difficult circumstances.
