The lyrics describe a sense of loneliness and contemplation while being on Delancey Street at night, with references to hummingbirds, numbers, and barking dogs by High Gate Pond.

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Meaning of "Joseph Cornell" by The Clientele


The lyrics of "Joseph Cornell" by The Clientele evoke a feeling of longing and introspection. The mention of hummingbirds humming their loneliness translates into a sense of isolation and unspoken sadness. The repetition of numbers like 151, 145, and 123 can be interpreted as a sign of searching for meaning or order in the chaos of emotions. The imagery of being on Delancey Street at night, with barking dogs by High Gate Pond, sets a melancholic tone of lost moments and fleeting memories. The repeated phrase, "Something's here but something's gone," captures the bittersweet essence of nostalgia and the passage of time. Overall, the lyrics convey a mix of emotions such as sadness, longing, hope, and acceptance while reflecting on the transient nature of life and relationships.