The song "Gwendolyn" by Jeff Tweedy tells the story of a person who is feeling isolated and longing for home. The narrator expresses their struggle in coping with loneliness and being far away from their loved ones. The lyrics suggest that when Gwendolyn, someone close to the narrator, starts speaking to a county police officer with a plastic cup in her mouth, it reminds the narrator of home. The metaphor of the sun beating down like a big trombone implies a sense of discomfort or unease. This triggers a feeling of missing home for the narrator. The narrator finds solace when Gwendolyn holds their hand between her knees, creating a sense of connection and comfort. However, they admit to not fully understanding the meaning behind these moments. Despite the temporary relief, the feeling of loneliness persists, and they start missing home again. The narrator then addresses Gwendolyn directly, acknowledging that they are not ashamed to admit their relief when she was taken away, suggesting that her presence might have contributed to their sense of longing and isolation. The mention of the sun coming up like a piece of toast signifies a new day, possibly marking the narrator's decision to return home. Overall, "Gwendolyn" portrays the emotional journey of a person struggling with loneliness and the longing for home. It explores the complexities of human connection and the impact certain individuals can have on our sense of belonging.
