Kitchen Door

Wolf Larsen's 'Kitchen Door' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the tension between hope and despair. The song opens with a nostalgic reflection on a figure from the narrator's youth, characterized by vibrant imagery such as 'bright orange smile' and 'muscular laughter.' This person, with 'bold brown eyes flashing fearless,' represents an ideal of strength and resilience, someone who faced the harsh realities of life, symbolized by 'cold blue nights' and 'empty boxcars,' with unwavering courage.

The narrative then shifts to a broader context, depicting the struggles of life in Nebraska during the Great Depression. The 'solitary wail' of a freight train becomes a metaphor for the isolation and desolation experienced by many. The 'withered farms' and 'leaves of possibilities' evoke a sense of lost potential and dreams deferred. This setting introduces two symbolic characters: No and Faith. 'No' represents despair and resignation, a force that 'no one could tame,' while 'Faith' embodies hope and perseverance, always returning with a 'smile on his face.'

The chorus, with its repeated line 'I can hear you tap tappin' at my kitchen door,' suggests an internal struggle. The kitchen door symbolizes a threshold between the safety of the known and the uncertainty of the unknown. The river, a recurring motif, represents the flow of life and the relentless push for more. The narrator's plea to 'slow down this train' reflects a desire to pause and reflect amidst the rush of life. Ultimately, the song is a meditation on the choices we make between succumbing to despair or embracing faith, and the constant presence of both forces in our lives.