Meaning of "Welcome Back Riders" by The Swellers

The lyrics of "Welcome Back Riders" by The Swellers reflect a sense of disillusionment and resignation towards the future. The singer expresses a fear of getting older and losing hope, symbolized by seeing ghosts and being scared of what's to come. The mention of "sit-down strikes and gutters" conveys a feeling of being trapped and drained in a town where everything has been sold out. The repeated refrain of "I won't believe it, I can't believe it" further emphasizes the refusal to accept the current reality. The song also criticizes empty promises and the cycle of disappointment, with the singer feeling like they have been let down by false hope and once again facing the rat race of life. The longing for a place to call home signifies a deeper desire for stability and belonging in a world that feels transient and unforgiving.