Meaning of 'Heart of Lothian'

by Marillion

Interpretation

"Heart of Lothian" by Marillion is a song that tells the story of people living in the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. The lyrics describe the feeling of being lost and uncertain that many people have when living in a big city.

The song begins with the lines "On the outskirts of nowhere, On the ringroad to somewhere, On the verge of indecision, I'll always take the roundabout way." These lines describe the feeling of being torn between different options and not being sure which way to go.

A recurring motif in the song is rain, which serves as a symbol of melancholy and the difficulties of life. The lines "Waiting on the rain. For I was born with a habit, From a sign. The habit of a windswept thumb. And the sign of the rain" show that the protagonist feels accompanied by the rain and that he can rely on it.

The song also includes the phrase "Wide Boys born with hearts of Lothian", which indicates that the people in Edinburgh are tough and born with a strong character.

The lyrics also describe the nightlife in Edinburgh with lines like "And anarchy smiles in the Royal Mile" and "Spray their pheremones on this perfume uniform." These lines convey the image of people enjoying themselves in the city's bars and clubs and embracing their freedom.

The second part of the song, "Curtain Call", is about the experience of being famous and successful. The protagonist is described as an actor in a movie, but feels unhappy and empty. The lines "But you're feeling like a wino in a parking lot" show that fame and success don't always bring the happiness one longs for.

Overall, "Heart of Lothian" is a song about life in a big city, the challenges that come with it, and the search for happiness and fulfillment. It's a song that resonates with many people who find themselves in similar situations and are looking for a way to deal with the challenges of life.