Meaning of "Leaving Home" by The Proclaimers

The lyrics of "Leaving Home" by The Proclaimers paint a picture of a young person's journey into independence, leaving their home for the first time and facing the realities of the world. The mention of East Coast trains and Edinburgh symbolizes the transition from a familiar environment to a new, unknown one. Despite the excitement of freedom, the narrator experiences moments of loneliness and homesickness, as seen in lines like "Long days on my own, cry when I come home." The comparison of Leith to New York reflects the overwhelming nature of the city and the feeling of being lost in a sea of cars and noise. The mention of sirens and drunken fights in the hotel highlights the harsh reality of urban life, where the narrator finds solace in the idea of guardian angels protecting them. Overall, the lyrics convey the bittersweet emotions of leaving home, the challenges of growing up, and the search for comfort and security in an unfamiliar place.