The lyrics of "When Will You Come Home" by Galaxie 500 express a sense of longing and loneliness as the narrator watches TV alone, stares at the wall, and waits for someone to come home. The repetitive question of when they will return reflects the narrator's frustration and isolation.

Meaning of "When Will You Come Home" by Galaxie 500

"When Will You Come Home" showcases the feelings of alienation and yearning that often accompany the absence of a loved one. The repeated question, "When, when will you come home?" suggests a longing for connection and a desire to be reunited with the person the narrator is addressing. The act of watching TV alone and staring at the wall highlights the narrator's isolation and attempts to fill the void created by the absence of the other person.

The reference to Kojak, a popular detective show from the 1970s, adds a sense of nostalgia and emphasizes the passage of time. The narrator's choice to watch this show "on my own" implies that they used to watch it together with the person they are waiting for, but now they are left to experience it alone. The lack of connection and shared experience serves as a reminder of their separation.

The lines "Now, I'm crawlin' on the floor / Makin' noises like a dog" depict the extent of the narrator's desperation and the lengths they are willing to go to capture the attention of the person they miss. Their actions symbolize their decreased sense of self-worth and the vulnerability they feel in the absence of the other person. The fact that they are making noises that cannot be heard further emphasizes their isolation and desperation.

Overall, "When Will You Come Home" manifests a yearning for companionship, the ache of being alone, and the longing to be reunited with someone who provides solace and fulfillment. It explores themes of separation, longing, and the deep emotional impact caused by distance.