Lost Soul features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals, synthesizer); George Marinelli (guitar, backing vocals); John Molo (drums, percussion); Joe Puerta (bass, backing vocals), Shawn Colvin (vocals).
This is about a person who, in the song’s words, felt he “didn’t fit in anywhere.”
There’s nothing more to say here that’s not said in the song, other than to point out a few lines. The guy in the song couldn’t get out of a sort of circular feeling that is stated in the lines “Thought no one loved him, that was not true,” and “You show me love but maybe I don’t deserve it.”
Shawn Colvin’s duet part fills in the story from another angle with lines like “We all tried to make him feel he was one of us again.”
From “Bruce Hornsby & The Range – A Night On The Town” Sheet music published in 1990 by Cherry Lane Music Company, Inc. (ISBN 0-89524-580-9)
Lost Soul meaning of the song
Lost Soul by Bruce Hornsby delves into themes of depression, loneliness, and the yearning for connection. The song portrays the struggle of an individual who feels isolated and misunderstood, ultimately exploring the complexities of emotional pain and the search for belonging.
Character study
The song opens with the introduction of “a man of confused and sad nature,” setting a tone of melancholy and introspection. This character’s belief that “no one loved him” highlights a pervasive sense of unworthiness and despair, even though the narrator asserts that this belief is “not true.” This duality captures the essence of depression, where individuals often grapple with distorted perceptions of self-worth and connection.
The phrase “a lost soul didn’t fit in anywhere” resonates deeply, reflecting the experience of feeling alienated in a world that seems indifferent. The repetition of “lost soul” reinforces the central theme of disconnection and the search for a place where one feels accepted.
The metaphor of the journey
The chorus introduces a powerful metaphor of journeying with “an oar in his hands and a song on your lips.” This imagery suggests an attempt to navigate through life’s struggles, with the oar symbolising effort and agency. The “song on your lips” implies that despite the pain, there remains a desire for expression and connection. The idea of rowing “to the far shore” signifies hope for eventual resolution and comfort, even in the face of adversity.
This journey is not just a physical one; it represents an emotional passage towards healing and acceptance. The line “row the boat of the loved lost soul” suggests a collective effort to support those who feel lost, highlighting the importance of community and understanding in overcoming loneliness.
Memories and nostalgia
The verse “Ever since oh I can remember / We all tried to ease the pain” reflects the narrator’s longstanding concern for the lost soul. It underscores the attempts made by friends or family to provide solace and support, reinforcing the idea that communal efforts can help those suffering from emotional turmoil. The reference to taking him in when he needed shelter signifies a literal and metaphorical refuge, emphasising the importance of compassion in the healing process.
The power of art
The image of the lost soul sitting “alone with a pencil in his hand” speaks to the isolating power of creativity. Drawing becomes a form of expression and an outlet for emotions, yet the end result—”just a picture of a man”—conveys the struggle to articulate the complexity of one’s feelings. This act of creation illustrates how art can be both a refuge and a reminder of one’s struggles, capturing the essence of the individual’s experience.
Personal connections and regrets
As the narrative progresses, Bruce introduces a personal memory with “Oh dear Mary do you remember / The day we went walking downtown.” This reference to a specific moment in time invokes nostalgia and highlights the importance of human connection in combating feelings of loneliness. The setting “in early December” evokes a sense of warmth and reminiscence, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the narrator’s current emotional state.
The line “You show me love but maybe I don’t deserve it” encapsulates the inner conflict faced by those suffering from depression. It conveys a sense of guilt and inadequacy, suggesting that the lost soul struggles to accept affection and support from others. The phrase “I’ve been called but not been found” further emphasises feelings of isolation, illustrating the disconnect between the desire for connection and the inability to reach out or accept help.
Hope and resilience
The repetition of the chorus serves as both a reminder of the lost soul’s journey and a rallying cry for resilience. The imagery of rowing to the far shore embodies hope for recovery and the possibility of finding peace amidst the turmoil. It reinforces the idea that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, there is strength in community and shared experiences.
Summary
“Lost Soul” by Bruce Hornsby captures the profound struggle of loneliness and depression while emphasising the importance of connection and community in the healing process. Through vivid imagery and personal narratives, Bruce encourages listeners to acknowledge their emotional battles and the power of love and support in navigating life’s challenges. The song serves as a poignant reminder that even in darkness, there is hope for understanding and acceptance.
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Toledo, OH
Band show; soundboard
July 23 1994