Meaning of "Someone in the Doorway" by Ben Howard

"Someone in the Doorway" delves into existential themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the desire for a meaningful existence. The opening lines reveal the narrator's resistance to death, expressing a lack of readiness. They reject the idea of dying and implore someone else to take their place, indicating a fear or reluctance toward facing mortality. The mention of whispering softly and lying down suggests a connection to funeral rituals and the finality associated with death.

The narrator's reminiscence about being a child is filled with ambiguity and amnesia. There is a sense of disconnect, as their reasons for being there are lost in memory. This could symbolize the loss of innocence and wonder that often accompanies adulthood, further highlighting the weight of mortality and the longing for a simpler, carefree existence.

Moving forward, the song introduces the concept of time, specifically the idea of it being limited. The narrator's statement about returning in a minute indicates a desire to make the most of the present moment, recognizing that "now is not the time" for death or idle pursuits. This urgency is emphasized when they mention going to find the root that has been chewed on for millennia. This suggests a search for something timeless and profound, a quest for meaning and purpose in life.

The repetition of "Someone in the doorway, someone in the light" signifies a recurring presence, an otherworldly figure that offers a constant reminder of mortality. The mention of someone wearing a new hat and someone on the floor outside adds to the mysterious nature of this figure, who may represent death or an existential presence. The line "They say you don't come back from that" reinforces the irreversible nature of death, heightening the narrator's apprehension.

The song's conclusion brings together various elements: entering the light of a bad dream, the laughter of a war, and referencing England as a sedative on the tongue. These phrases evoke feelings of dissonance, unease, and the numbing effect of escapism. The farewell expressed in the repeated phrase "Goodbye, goodbye that's all" suggests a surrender to mortality and an acceptance of the unknown.

Overall, "Someone in the Doorway" delves into the human struggle with mortality, the search for meaning, and the longing for a life well-lived. It navigates the complexities of existence, the fleeting nature of time, and the inevitability of death, urging listeners to contemplate their own mortality and embrace the present moment.