We Shall Come Home

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a perilous journey through a darkening world. The "wild wood" and "dark and deep" and filled with "bush and briar" creates a tangible sense of danger and disorientation, making "shadows longer" and "stronger." This external threat mirrors an internal vulnerability, as the narrator expresses a desperate need to "touch someone" and a fear of stumbling, trembling, and falling asleep. The repeated phrase "at the dying of the day" underscores the urgency and the encroaching darkness, amplifying the feeling of being lost. The central tension lies between the overwhelming forces of the "wild wood" and the yearning for safety and connection. The narrator acknowledges the inherent danger, advising to "cut and run" and "better keep / Away," yet also expresses a profound need for love and protection, pleading "Love, you mustn't tire" and "Love, don't fall asleep." This duality highlights a struggle to navigate a hostile environment while holding onto the hope of human connection and a safe return. The most striking craft element is the stark contrast between the chaotic "wild wood" and the simple, resolute promise of the chorus: "We shall come home." This repetition acts as an incantation, a mantra against the encroaching fear and strangeness. The pre-chorus, comparing the narrator to "a child that needs protection," further emphasizes this vulnerability and the deep-seated desire for a return to a place of safety and belonging, a place where they can "make our mark" without being consumed by the wild. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their raw portrayal of vulnerability against overwhelming odds. The simple, repeated promise of homecoming, set against the vivid imagery of a dangerous and disorienting natural world, resonates deeply. It captures a fundamental human desire for safety, connection, and a return to a place of belonging, especially when faced with the unknown and the encroaching darkness, whether literal or metaphorical.