Somewhere Only We Know

I walked across an empty land I knew the pathway like the back of my hand I felt the earth beneath my feet Sat by the river and it made me complete Oh simple thing where have you gone? I'm getting old and I need something to rely on So tell me when you're gonna let me in I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin I came across a fallen tree I felt the branches of it looking at me Is this the place we used to love? Is this the place that I've been dreaming of? Oh simple thing where have you gone? I'm getting old and I need something to rely on So tell me when you're gonna let me in I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin And if you have a minute why don't we go Talk about it somewhere only we know? This could be the end of everything So why don't we go Somewhere only we know? Somewhere only we know? Oh simple thing where have you gone? I'm getting old and I need something to rely on So tell me when you're gonna let me in I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin And if you have a minute why don't we go Talk about it somewhere only we know? This could be the end of everything So why don't we go? So why don't we go? Ah-ah-ah Ah-ah-ah This could be the end of everything So why don't we go Somewhere only we know? Somewhere only we know? Somewhere only we know?

Composer: Timothy James Rice-oxley, Richard David Hughes, Thomas Oliver Chaplin

In-depth Analysis of 'Somewhere Only We Know' by LyricLens AI

Keane's iconic track 'Somewhere Only We Know' from their debut album 'Hopes And Fears' (2004) is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, longing, and the search for solace. The lyrics paint a picture of an individual reflecting on a past connection and a special, shared place, now perhaps lost or changed. It evokes a universal feeling of seeking comfort in cherished memories amidst the complexities of growing older.

Central Themes Explored:

Nostalgia and Lost Innocence: The lines "I walked across an empty land / I knew the pathway like the back of my hand" suggest a return to a familiar place that no longer holds its original vitality, hinting at the passage of time and the bittersweet loss of simpler days.
The Secret Sanctuary: "Somewhere only we know" represents a private, intimate space – whether physical or metaphorical – where deep conversations and shared understanding can occur, away from the world's harshness.
Longing for Connection and Reliability: Phrases like "I need something to rely on" and "tell me when you're gonna let me in" convey a profound yearning for a stable, comforting presence and an appeal to rekindle a lost intimacy or understanding.
Existential Reflection: The protagonist grapples with feelings of aging ("I'm getting old") and a need for a new beginning ("somewhere to begin"), suggesting a moment of crisis or transition.

Emotions and Atmosphere:

The song is imbued with a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere. It oscillates between feelings of gentle sadness for what's gone and a persistent hope for renewal and connection. The imagery of nature (empty land, river, fallen tree) mirrors the internal landscape of memory and change, creating a reflective and intimate mood.

'Somewhere Only We Know' ultimately resonates as a timeless anthem for anyone who has cherished a unique bond or memory, reminding us of the enduring power of shared experiences and the quiet places we hold dear.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Somewhere Only We Know'

What is "Somewhere Only We Know" about?

"Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane is a heartfelt song about nostalgia, the search for a safe, familiar place, and the longing for a deep, intimate connection with someone special. It explores themes of aging, change, and the bittersweet memories of a shared past.

What does the "empty land" symbolize in the lyrics?

The "empty land" likely symbolizes a place that once held significance but has since lost its vibrancy or a sense of emptiness the narrator feels. It could represent a changed emotional landscape or a literal place revisited that no longer feels the same, highlighting themes of loss and the passage of time.

Who wrote "Somewhere Only We Know"?

"Somewhere Only We Know" was written by the members of Keane: Tim Rice-Oxley, Tom Chaplin, and Richard Hughes. Rice-Oxley is generally credited with the primary songwriting.

Fun Facts:

This song was the first single released from Keane's highly successful debut album, 'Hopes And Fears', in 2004, which became one of the best-selling albums in UK chart history.
It gained renewed popularity and introduced Keane to a new generation through numerous covers, most notably Lily Allen's version for the John Lewis Christmas advert in 2013.
The track's simple piano melody and poignant lyrics have made it a staple for emotional moments in film and television.