This track addresses something we’ve probably all experienced to one degree or another, that of ‘being lost’?
But before I discuss that expression I’d like to explain the perhaps perplexing lyric ‘is it ok?’. You might think that I could have picked ‘are you ok?’ here. But actually, I prefer the former as it’s asking for help (carrying me home) and also, the bigger question – is it ok to be lost? I feel it IS ok because it suggests taking time out to consider what we really want out of life rather than being on auto pilot, sleep walking our way through our days and weeks, months and years. I think it’s really easy to incorrectly assume that questioning is a sign of weakness and being forthright and confident (at least on the outside) is somehow better. But really, we’re kidding ourselves (and hoping others are kidded to!?) and I believe a dose of self analysis and inner investigation is extremely healthy and important for our mental wellbeing.

Realising we’re lost can sometimes happen when, as a result of an event or a reaction that takes us by surprise, we find that we don’t recognise what our life has become, or indeed the person we’ve become. Especially if there’s behaviour we’re not comfortable owning. I’ve also noticed it’s when we realise we have a choice about our life, a decision to make, and not knowing which path to take causes anxiety. Worrying about making the wrong choice can set off a whole chain of emotions and reactions. When we start to analyse our options it can be overwhelming to find, when checking in with ourselves, perhaps for the first time in years (or ever) that we actually don’t recognise the life we’re living right now. The plans or dreams we once had might have been put to one side (rather like the lyrics in that Pogues Christmas track) and life might have ‘got in the way’.

I have also noticed that the feeling of being lost can be caused by one part of us wanting one thing and the other part wanting another. Sometimes referred to as being at a crossroads. We know that if we are brave we will potentially step into that ‘light’ or enlightenment that is promised. Perhaps. But there’s a risk we won’t. Sometimes it’s safer to stay in the dim light, peering at what might be? Wondering, waiting. Perhaps for a sign to appear to guide us at the crossroads. It is sometimes the hardest thing to do, to wait. But if it’s creating an inertia in our life and stopping everything else in it’s tracks then it really can cause a blockage which is going to cause us anxiety, until it’s resolved.

Perhaps the conforming part that likes to follow the expectations of the society/our family/friends/work colleagues in which we find ourselves is wanting to keep you static, and the other (frustrated, desperate) part is pulling us away, the part which is more authentically us? As a result we can be left in a state of limbo where the confusion can cause an inertia and definitely a feeling of dis-ease which might start off in the mind but can develop into physical symptoms.
In addition to all this pressure that we allow society to lay at our feet, we actually change as we get older and what we needed from life at one point will most likely be different ten years hence.

The track also touches on the desire for someone to ‘take me there’ but this is a solo trip and really, your friend needs to see when you arrive in the light at the end of the tunnel. We need to start listening to ourselves and being kind and tolerant about what we hear.

And before we can make a decision about the direction we want to take in order to feel less lost, we need to consider ‘who we want to be’. Which is the title of the track four on the album. Perhaps I will see you there!? I hope so. Either way, thank you for reading this and if you’d like to discuss anything that these words have triggered you are welcome to email me at helefonix@gmail.com.