Meaning of "A Louse Is Not a Home" by Peter Hammill

The lyrics of "A Louse Is Not a Home" delve deep into the concept of home and how it relates to one's sense of self. The narrator's reflections on their living spaces, ranging from houses of glass to brick and lead, highlight the different emotional landscapes that can exist within the same physical space. The presence of an unknown, unsettling figure symbolizes the narrator's internal struggles and fears. The constant questioning of what home truly is, whether it's a place of safety or a source of confinement, reflects the broader existential quest for meaning and belonging. The lyrics touch on themes of identity, isolation, and the search for some semblance of truth or connection in a seemingly chaotic world. Ultimately, the narrator grapples with the idea of de-lousing their home, suggesting a desire to cleanse and purify the space in order to find peace and clarity within themselves.