The lyrics describe a sense of displacement and detachment as the narrator navigates through life and different places, pretending that every location is a home.

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Meaning of "Every Place Is a House" by Maps & Atlases


The lyrics of "Every Place Is a House" by Maps & Atlases seem to capture a feeling of disconnection and transience. The imagery of being at the "bottom of the wheel" suggests a lack of control, perhaps feeling like a passenger in one's own life. The idea of pretending that "every place is a house" speaks to the longing for belonging and stability in a world that may feel constantly shifting. The imagery of "feet on the dashboard," "clipping nails like a metronome," and "raised glass to cheers and unfamiliar hands" paint a picture of someone going through the motions, trying to find meaning and connection in temporary interactions and fleeting moments. The repeated line of "the sounds they make" emphasizes the noise and chaos of life, with the narrator seeking some sense of grounding amidst the chaos by searching for "windows and bread." Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of searching for stability and belonging in a world that may feel constantly changing and uncertain.