Meaning of "Nottamun Town" by Fairport Convention

The lyrics of "Nottamun Town" paint a picture of an otherworldly and unsettling place, where the narrator feels disconnected from those around them. The repeated refrain of no one looking up or down suggests a sense of detachment and indifference, creating an atmosphere of alienation. The appearance of a stark naked drummer beating a drum adds to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the town, with the imagery of a frozen stone and drowning of the unborn hinting at themes of mortality and isolation. The narrator's hat, used to keep warm in the cold, symbolizes their attempt to hold onto some sense of self in the face of overwhelming indifference and loneliness. Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of unease and isolation, exploring themes of existentialism and the human experience.