Meaning of "Them Heavy People" by Kate Bush

In "Them Heavy People," Kate Bush explores the theme of personal transformation and the power of influential individuals in shaping our lives. The repeated line "rolling the ball, rolling the ball, rolling the ball to me" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the opportunities that come our way in life. The arrival of the heavy people, who come at an inconvenient time, represents a turning point for the speaker. By hiding in a room in their mind, the speaker has been avoiding facing themselves and shutting others out. However, the heavy people force them to confront their own insecurities and embrace personal growth.

The heavy people are depicted as wonderful teachers who are ready to impart their wisdom and knowledge to the speaker. Through their guidance, the speaker realizes that they must work on their own mind and cultivate their inner potential. Each individual possesses a "heaven inside," suggesting that we all have the capacity for growth and self-discovery. This realization is both empowering and transformative for the speaker, as they acknowledge that the heavy people have a profound impact on their life and help them see things in a new light.

Furthermore, the heavy people open doors that the speaker believed were permanently shut. They introduce the speaker to spiritual teachings, such as Gurdjieff and Jesu, which broaden their perspective and allow them to explore new realms of thought and understanding. This exposure not only enriches the speaker intellectually but also has a physical and emotional impact. The heavy people build up the speaker's body and break them emotionally, pushing them to their limits. Despite the intense struggle, the speaker finds solace in the process and describes it as a "lovely feeling." This suggests that personal growth can be challenging and painful, but ultimately rewarding.

The song also touches on the beauty of innocence and the wonders of the human potential. The speaker expresses a love for the whirling of the Dervishes, a Sufi ritual associated with spiritual enlightenment. They appreciate the simplicity and purity found in rare innocence, emphasizing that individuals do not need mystical tools like crystal balls or magic wands to perform miracles. Instead, the power lies within human beings themselves.

Overall, "Them Heavy People" encourages listeners to embrace personal growth, open themselves up to new experiences, and recognize the influence that certain individuals can have on our journey. Through the song, Kate Bush reminds us that we all possess inner potential and can achieve great things when we allow ourselves to be guided by those who impact us positively.