Meaning of "Thought I Was A Spaceman" by Blur

"Thought I Was A Spaceman" explores themes of isolation, inner turmoil, and the impossibility of finding true escape or understanding in the world. The opening line, "Thought I was a spaceman, digging out my heart," establishes a sense of detachment and otherness. The protagonist feels like an outsider, distant and detached from society.

The mention of digging out one's heart in a desert and a car park signifies the protagonist's struggle to confront and understand their own emotions in a harsh and mundane reality. The desert represents a barren and desolate emotional landscape, while the car park symbolizes conformity and the stifling of individuality.

The line "People like me fight to keep the demons in, but we never succeeded, in fact, we failed" suggests a constant battle with one's inner demons and the inability to overcome them. This struggle is universal, as the phrase "people like me" implies others who are also fighting their own battles.

The reference to Hong Kong's Happy Valley and the broken line alludes to the changing and challenging nature of happiness and fulfillment. The junk boat phantoms floating in the empty harbor evoke a sense of transience and the ghostly presence of unfulfilled dreams.

The protagonist's search for answers is further explored through the mention of finding a black box washed up on the shore. The black box, often associated with aircraft crash investigations, symbolizes the quest for truth and understanding. However, the realization that it was not true at all suggests disappointment and the futility of seeking definitive answers.

The repetition of the phrase "you again" at the end of the song signifies a cycle of disappointment or betrayal. It could refer to encountering the same patterns and struggles in relationships or feeling let down by the world. The repetition emphasizes the protagonist's recurring sense of disillusionment and the inability to escape from their emotional burdens.

Overall, "Thought I Was A Spaceman" captures the feelings of alienation, inner turmoil, and the quest for meaning and connection in a complex and often disheartening world.