Meaning of "Evacuee" by Enya

"Evacuee" by Enya delves into the bittersweet experience of leaving home as a child. The lyrics evoke a sense of both comfort and sadness as the protagonist prepares to depart. The recurring theme of promises emphasizes the feelings of hope and anticipation. The opening lines, "Each time on my leaving home, I run back to my mother's arms," depict the child seeking solace in their mother's embrace before embarking on the journey. The act of running back suggests a reluctance to leave the familiar and venture into the unknown. The mother's presence provides a sense of security and love, reinforcing the bond between them.

As the child observes their mother watching, tears acknowledge the pain of separation. The wave and blown kiss serve as a farewell gesture, a way to convey love and affection despite the distance. The line, "Feel the sky fall down upon me," expresses the overwhelming weight of the departure, as if the entire world is collapsing upon the child's shoulders.

The repetition of the line "All I am, a child with promises" highlights the innocence and vulnerability of the protagonist. The promises referred to could be the reassurances of returning home or the hope held onto during the separation. The child clings to these promises as they navigate the unfamiliar territory of being away from home.

The longing and yearning for familiarity becomes more poignant as the child sings, "If only I could stay with you, my train moves on, you're gone from view." Here, the child longs to freeze time and remain in their mother's presence, but the reality of moving forward becomes inevitable. The term "miles full of promises" alludes to the distance and time they must endure until they can fulfill the promises made, and until they can finally return home.

The final lines of the song encapsulate the patience and perseverance required during this separation. The child is told that "days will pass," and although it may seem like an eternity, they must wait until it's over. This longing for reunion imbues the song with a sense of hope and anticipation.