“A folk song; very simple old-time Americana.”
Never in this House features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals); Chris Croce (bass); John Mailander (violin); yMusic: Rob Moose (violin), Alex Sopp (flute), C.J. Camarieri (trumpet), Hideaki Aomori (clarinet), Nadia Sirota (viola), Gabriel Cabezas (cello) and The Staves (background vocals).
Both yMusic and the Staves have collaborated with each other extensively, and did so at Bruce’s Funhouse Fest in 2017. Absolute Zero was the perfect chance to do so again.
Bruce says of both, “So I’m listening to this British female vocal trio and Brooklyn chamber music group, going ‘Whoa, who is this? I loved the women, the chamber music group, the whole thing. What they were doing together was adventurous, a different sound.”
“Hornsby invited yMusic and The Staves to appear at (Funhouse Fest). “That’s when I met them,” he says. “We hit it off and became friends. I asked them to play on what became Absolute Zero. We did a session with yMusic in New York. We worked on six pieces; five ended up on the record. It just went from there. yMusic’s leader Rob Moose started doing some things on his own on some new songs that I would write. Rob arranging on his own – where he puts down twenty different string parts (“Give me another one! OK, there’s that. Another track! Another track!”) – is quite something to see, working his magic in the studio.”
“Should be sung by a trio. It’s a dysfunctional family song: the first verse is sung by the father, the second verse (where I go into falsetto) is sung by the mother, and the third verse is sung by the son. It’s me playing roles.”
Originally written for the SCKBSTD play.
Never in this House meaning
Bruce Hornsby’s song “Never in this House” encapsulates the essence of a dysfunctional family through the perspectives of three distinct characters: the father, the mother, and the son. This structure not only allows for a dynamic storytelling experience but also highlights the complexities and emotional nuances within familial relationships.
The search for an perfect home
The recurring theme of a pefect family home is established from the outset. The opening lines express a longing for “a house somewhere, some day” where everyone’s needs are met, and the father is employed, suggesting stability and success. This idealisation serves as a stark contrast to the current reality depicted in the song. The phrase “where guilt and circumstances won’t put him on the outs” implies that the father feels constrained by external pressures and internal conflicts, highlighting the struggle to maintain a functional family dynamic.
The father’s perspective
In the first verse, sung by the father, there is a clear yearning for a better life. The repetition of “somewhere, some day” evokes a sense of hope and possibility, yet it is tinged with a palpable sense of frustration. The father’s aspirations for his family’s happiness underscore his desire to fulfill traditional roles while acknowledging the limitations imposed by their current circumstances. The line “but never in this house” reveals the painful recognition that their reality does not align with this vision, emphasising feelings of inadequacy and disappointment.
The mother’s longing
The second verse, sung by the mother shifts the emotional tone. The mother yearns for a relationship filled with passion, as expressed in the line “where the Mommy’s husband still has passion in his heart.” This line suggests that the spark in their relationship has diminished over time, possibly due to the wear and tear of daily life and responsibilities. The longing for connection and affection becomes a poignant reflection of the mother’s emotional state, as she grapples with feelings of unfulfillment. The repeated phrase “but never in this house” reinforces the idea that their home is lacking the warmth and intimacy she craves.
The son’s aspirations
In the third verse, sung by the son, there is a shift in focus to personal dreams and ambitions. The line “where I will fly to planets if I ever learn to drive” illustrates the innocence and wonder of childhood aspirations, juxtaposed against the limitations of his current environment. The son’s desire to explore and achieve is contrasted with the reality that he feels stifled in his home. The mention of “faith in my abilities” reveals a yearning for confidence and support, which is undermined by the ongoing dysfunction within the family.
The repetition of hope
Never in This House’s chorus introduces a hopeful vision of connection and resolution, with lines like “in this house I’ll touch and you’ll feel” and “in this house I’ll love and you’ll see.” This repeated assertion signifies a desire for transformation within the family dynamic. However, the acknowledgment that “all our problems disappear some day” suggests an awareness that these aspirations may remain unfulfilled in their current environment.
The cultural context
The song draws on themes found in traditional folk music, embodying a sense of Americana through its simple yet profound lyrics. This approach evokes a timeless quality, as the struggles of familial relationships are universal and relatable. The yearning for a better life and the pursuit of dreams resonates with listeners, transcending generational and cultural boundaries.
Final thoughts
“Never in this House” poignantly captures the complexities of a dysfunctional family through the voices of the father, mother, and son. Each perspective reveals individual desires, frustrations, and hopes, underscoring the impact of their environment on their emotional well-being. The contrast between the ideal and the real serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges many families face, while the chorus provides a glimmer of hope for connection and healing, encapsulating the universal longing for love and understanding.