Meaning of "These Streets" by Paolo Nutini

"These Streets" explores the theme of being an outsider in a new and unfamiliar environment. The lyrics depict the narrator's struggle to adjust and navigate through the busy city streets. The mention of crossing borders and roads emphasizes the difficulty and challenges of adapting to a new place. The city is portrayed as overpowering and overwhelming, with millions of people and cares. The narrator feels disconnected and haunted by sadness, longing for the familiarity of their hometown. However, amidst the difficulties, they also recognize the beauty and allure of the city. The mention of the girls being gorgeous, the air smelling greener, and the sun shining suggests that there are moments of joy and happiness to be found. The lyrics also touch on the theme of lost identity and searching for something that feels missing. The narrator is in search of change and a sense of belonging that they have somehow lost. Despite the overwhelming nature of the city, there is an underlying optimism that the narrator will eventually adapt and find their place in these unfamiliar streets. The repetition of "I know" at the end of the song indicates a resolve to keep going, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges.

Overall, "These Streets" explores the dichotomy of feeling out of place and longing for familiarity while also being drawn to the allure and possibilities of a new environment. It captures the bittersweet experience of navigating through life's transitions and the resilience needed to adapt and find one's way.