Song meaning of Never Arriving by New Model Army

The lyrics of "Never Arriving" by New Model Army convey a sense of longing and a feeling of being lost and disconnected. The song takes us on a journey through different landscapes, from medieval towns to hilltop villages and a club by the park. However, despite the physical movement, there is a sense of stagnation and never truly reaching a destination.

The mention of "the blood of the martyrs" and "bullet holes" suggests a history of violence and struggle in these places. The lyrics highlight the iron and stone that have broken the backs of the people, indicating the oppressive forces that have shaped the world. These images symbolize the weight and burden of the past, which continues to haunt the present.

The protagonist, seemingly a woman, has a desire to go straight to the heart of things and disturb the ghosts. This suggests a need for truth and understanding, even at the risk of unsettling or confronting difficult emotions and experiences. The roads described in the lyrics represent the journey of life, with lines in the palm of the hand symbolizing fate and the paths we follow.

The repeated refrain of "never arriving" reflects a sense of displacement, never truly finding a place of belonging or fulfillment. It hints at a yearning for connection and resolution that is perpetually out of reach. The song examines the complexities of human relationships and the struggles faced in trying to navigate through life's uncertainties and challenges. It ultimately portrays the safety found in the space between departing and arriving, as it allows for introspection and self-discovery, but also highlights the constant yearning for something more.