Song meaning of I Smell Winter by The Housemartins

The lyrics of "I Smell Winter" by The Housemartins convey a message about the arrival of winter and the inevitable change it brings. The song explores the transition from summer to winter and the emotions associated with it.

In the first verse, the speaker mentions being blind to the sun but now being able to see the light with the blinds raised. This could symbolize a realization or awakening. Winter is described as being spoken and broken, indicating its arrival and the end of warmer days. 

The pre-chorus suggests that the protagonist can sense winter approaching, feeling it on every breath. There is a bittersweet feeling as summer is bid farewell, with the idea that winter is both good and a kiss of death. The chorus further emphasizes this duality, with mentions of losing at the tracks and feeling a chill down the spine, but also stating that the weather is fine.

In the second verse, the emphasis is on preparing for winter by buttoning up a coat and being cautious about who we choose to shelter. The protagonist has searched tirelessly for a partner or someone to share the winter with, symbolized by looking underground and overground, playing music until their lips were raw, and searching through bins for an answer. However, each year they seem to draw the shortest straw, suggesting that they are alone.

Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of change, introspection, and the need for preparation as winter approaches. It also touches on themes of loneliness and the difficulty of finding companionship during colder seasons. The song captures the mixed emotions associated with the arrival of winter, combining both the beauty and challenges it presents.