Meaning of "Streets of Philadelphia" by Molly Johnson

The lyrics of "Streets of Philadelphia" by Molly Johnson depict a person who is bruised and battered, both physically and emotionally. They feel lost and unrecognizable to themselves, symbolized by not knowing their own face when seeing their reflection in a window. These struggles are further emphasized by the repetition of the line "On the streets of Philadelphia."

Walking the avenue until their legs feel like stone suggests a sense of weariness and exhaustion. The voices of friends that they once heard have vanished and gone, signifying a loss of connections and support. The metaphorical comparison of the blood in their veins to the black and whispering rain emphasizes a feeling of darkness and despair that follows them as they navigate the streets.

The absence of an angel greeting them implies a lack of guidance or protection, leaving the narrator and their friend alone on the streets of Philadelphia. The mention of their clothes no longer fitting them represents a sense of being out of place or out of touch with their own identity. The repetition of the line "I walked a thousand miles just to slip this skin" suggests a desperate need for change and escape from their current state.

As the night falls, the narrator finds themselves lying awake, feeling their own existence fading away. They long for their brother to receive them with a "faithless kiss," hoping to find acceptance and connection, but there is uncertainty about whether they will be left alone in their struggles.

Overall, the lyrics of "Streets of Philadelphia" convey a sense of isolation, longing, and the desperate search for connection and understanding. It speaks to the universal experience of feeling lost, disconnected, and in need of companionship, even in a bustling city like Philadelphia.