Glass, Concrete & Stone.

David Byrne's song "Glass, Concrete & Stone" delves into the existential quest for meaning and belonging in a modern, urbanized world. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is constantly on the move, waking up at the crack of dawn and preparing for travel. This sense of perpetual motion reflects a deeper search for purpose and fulfillment, as the protagonist sends money home and contemplates the vastness of the universe, symbolized by the moon rising like a discotheque. The imagery of bags packed for traveling suggests a transient lifestyle, one that is always in flux and never settled.

The recurring line, "It is just a house, not a home," serves as a poignant metaphor for the emptiness that can accompany material success. Glass, concrete, and stone are the building blocks of modern architecture, but they lack the warmth and emotional connection that make a place feel like home. This dichotomy between a house and a home underscores the protagonist's struggle to find genuine happiness and a sense of belonging in a world dominated by physical structures and superficial appearances.

Byrne also touches on the theme of human vulnerability and the thin veneer that separates us from the chaos of the city. The lines about skin covering the body except for tiny holes and openings suggest that despite our efforts to shield ourselves, we are still exposed to the external world. The city's influence is inescapable, blowing in and out of our lives. Yet, there is a sense of resilience and adaptability, as the protagonist acknowledges that "everything's possible" and that change is inevitable. The song ultimately leaves us with a contemplative message about the importance of letting our body and soul guide us in our search for meaning, beyond the confines of glass, concrete, and stone.