Can't Go Home

Weyes Blood's 'Can't Go Home' is a poignant exploration of the themes of displacement, longing, and the search for belonging. The song opens with the imagery of a long bridge, symbolizing a journey or transition that seems endless. The artist questions when she will ever reach the 'other side,' a metaphor for finding a place of comfort or home. The passage of time is emphasized, suggesting a sense of urgency and the fleeting nature of life. The heat that follows her everywhere she runs represents the inescapable pressures and challenges she faces, and the closed doors signify the lack of refuge or acceptance she encounters along her journey.

The chorus reveals a resigned acceptance of her fate, as she declares that she 'can't go home again.' This line encapsulates the central theme of the song: the impossibility of returning to a place of origin or comfort. The 'riot times and fire nights' evoke a sense of chaos and turmoil, both external and internal, that have left a lasting impact on her. Despite the hardships, she finds solace in the stars that shine, symbolizing hope and guidance. The repeated phrase 'Oh, no, not again' reflects a sense of frustration and being stuck in a cycle of searching and not finding.

In the latter part of the song, Weyes Blood addresses the idea of resilience and the struggle to do the right thing despite suffering. The world carving at her heart suggests the emotional toll of her experiences. She acknowledges that she has moved and changed more times than she can count, indicating a life of constant upheaval. Yet, she wouldn't change her fate, implying a sense of acceptance and perhaps even pride in her journey. The hope to still love, despite being 'blind to what I feel,' underscores the enduring human desire for connection and understanding. The song closes with a sense of unresolved tension, as she remains 'stuck here with you,' highlighting the ongoing struggle to find a true sense of home and belonging.