Meaning of "N17" by The Saw Doctors

The lyrics of "N17" by The Saw Doctors capture a sense of nostalgia and longing for one's hometown. The song tells the story of someone who leaves their Christian brothers school and bids farewell to the girls of Tuam, uncertain of their future. As they reminisce, there is a longing to return home, but the realization that things may have changed or disappeared upon their arrival. The N17 highway becomes a symbol of escape and a journey back to a place where walls are made of stone and the grass is greener. The singer recalls traveling that road with their father, feeling a lump in their throat as they pass familiar landmarks. The repetition of the wish to be on the N17 emphasizes the strong desire to return to a place that holds cherished memories and a sense of belonging. The lyrics also touch on the loneliness experienced while traveling on highways or trains, longing for someone to talk to as they daydream in vain. The reference to living on foreign soil suggests feelings of displacement and a yearning for the familiarity of home. Overall, "N17" explores themes of nostalgia, longing, and the significance of a specific place in shaping one's sense of identity.