The song "Don't Wanna Go Home" by Jimmy Nail is about a person who is haunted by their past mistakes and regrets. The lyrics describe a man in a mask who keeps reminding the narrator that they have to go home, symbolizing the haunting presence of their past actions. The narrator expresses their reluctance to return home and face the consequences of their actions. They feel trapped and burdened by the man in the mask, who constantly reminds them of their past and prevents them from moving on. The lyrics also suggest that the narrator has been to places they shouldn't have been and encountered people they shouldn't have met. They admit to saying things they didn't really mean but are still being held accountable for. This further contributes to their desire to escape and not go home. Overall, the song explores themes of guilt, regret, and the struggle to break free from the past. The narrator longs for freedom from the grip of their mistakes and the ability to start anew.