"Walking The Ghost" by James is a song about a spirit or ghost who is restless and unsatisfied. The lyrics describe how this spirit is observing the world and feels saddened by the changes that have occurred. The song begins with the narrator hearing a knocking at their window, and they explain that a spirit knocks once for yes and twice for no. This spirit seems to be restless and dissatisfied, as if it is not at peace. It is implied that the spirit is the ghost of someone who has passed away. The spirit, referred to as "she," is described as walking around her old home at night. She objects to how things have changed and prefers the way things used to be. This indicates a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The phrase "Walking the ghost" is repeated throughout the song to emphasize her restless nature. There is also a mention of "baggage" on the narrator's shoulders, which seems to symbolize their own burdens and struggles. This could suggest that the narrator also feels weighed down and affected by the presence of the ghost. The lyrics further express the narrator's sensitivity to unkindness and their need for comfort and kindness from someone else. They long for support and empathy from another person to help them cope with their own struggles. Overall, "Walking The Ghost" explores themes of restlessness, nostalgia, and the impact of past events on the present. The song portrays a sense of longing and melancholy, conveyed through the metaphor of a restless spirit and the emotional weight felt by the narrator.
