Meaning of "Burslem Normals" by Robbie Williams

"Burslem Normals" delves into the idea of losing a sense of self and connection to one's roots as time passes and people change. The speaker laments the disappearance of familiar symbols and faces, highlighting the impact of growing up and moving on. The reference to the "fine young casuals" and "Burslem lads" who are now fathers reflects the cycles of life and the inevitable passage of time. There is a sense of longing for the past and a recognition of the inevitability of change. The song captures the bittersweet nostalgia that comes with witnessing the transformation of the familiar into something unrecognizable, emphasizing the importance of memories and shared experiences in shaping one's identity.