The lyrics describe a person who has different houses for each season, from Colorado in the spring to rooms facing the ocean in summer. The person is portrayed as free-spirited and ethereal, often appearing in dreams of the narrator. The narrator feels a sense of restlessness and confusion in their own life, yearning for guidance.

Meaning of "Houses" by Judy Collins

The lyrics of "Houses" by Judy Collins delve into themes of escapism, nostalgia, and self-discovery. The person with many houses for different seasons embodies a sense of fluidity and adaptability, able to move across different landscapes effortlessly. This contrasts with the narrator's feeling of being stagnant and lost, captured by imagery of brides in black ribbons and witches in white, symbolic of entrapment and purity. The person's presence in dreams suggests a longing for guidance or a sense of direction in the narrator's life, seeking solace or inspiration from this ethereal figure. The final image of the person walking towards a castle with bells ringing evokes a sense of celebration and new beginnings, yet the narrator feels unable to take that step forward, stuck in a state of indecision, experiencing both burning shadows and freezing sunlight. Ultimately, the lyrics depict a yearning for escape, a search for meaning, and a struggle to break free from constraints while seeking guidance and clarity.