The lyrics of "Hatfield 1980" describe a woman walking home through a dangerous suburbia filled with broken glass and deserted areas, reminiscing about a past traumatic event involving violence and police presence. The setting of Hatfield in 1980 is portrayed as bleak and lonely, with the protagonist feeling isolated and vulnerable.

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Meaning of "Hatfield 1980" by Everything But The Girl


The lyrics of "Hatfield 1980" paint a vivid picture of a place rife with danger and violence, where the speaker navigates through a deserted and ominous landscape. The mention of being attacked in the playground and witnessing violence for the first time, symbolizes the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of growing up in a rough environment. The repeated chorus about living in this place along with everyone else reflects a sense of shared struggle and desolation among the residents. The final lines about falling for anyone when looking back hint at a sense of longing for connection and support in a world where trust is scarce. Overall, the song captures the feeling of fear, isolation, and the impact of trauma on an individual living in a troubled neighborhood.