Clear the Area

I think the message on this song is to someone having a bad time (depression, heartbreak..). I don't think it necessarily involves sexual/romantic expectations. It's simply about telling someone you care about you'll always be available to help him/her in their darkest hours, but also will respect his/her privacy and space.

"Knock knock, are you alone? No one's out here and I was not followed"

She's paying a visit to this friend who is emotionally isolated in sadness/depression and doesn't want this person to be alarmed thinking she comes with someone else who might witness him/her in depression. When you are in a bad time, you don't want any unexpected guest knocking on your door since you won't be able to give them attention. Instead Imogen implicitly tells him/her she's not there to seek attention, but to give attention.

"Love love, you're already home Party's over and you don't look so good"

Maybe "party" is a metaphor for "good times". This person used to be happy before the heartbreak/depression/etc. Doesn't necessarily means a real, physical party.

"No need to stay as it's always nothing But your eyes tell a whole other story And I feel the weight of the world"

Imogen knows this person fells embarrassed by her/his sadness and doesn't want to admit his/her depression (hence always keeps telling Imogen it's "nothing" to worry about)and possibly fears to be seen as weak. That's why Imogen comforts this person, saying she/he can completely trust her, she won't think any less of him/her and won't bring other people with her when she visits him/her to respect this delicate moment.

"I won't talk I won't try Just move It's too still in your sadness"

Imogen is very sensible and knows she must be there for her friend without becoming another burden. So she won't invade his/her space. That's why she says "I won't talk", "I won't try". She wants to help him/her deeply, but at the same time she knows she can't push this person against his/her will. The person won't admit he/she needs help ("it's always nothing") and Imogen suffers with that and feels "the weight of the world", because she's not foolish and can see in his/her eyes "another story".

"Slowly, darling Nobody means any more to me than you If you're in, baby then I'm in (into this) With you always Careful, close to the edge (you're scaring me) Fall into my arms (where did it all fall) Fall into love (love)"

The same message: Be patient, things will work out. Don't do anything impulsive, since you're "close to the edge". Imogen fears this person may commit suicide or violence against himself or others. She says he/she is not alone, because she is with him/her ("If you're in, baby then I'm in").

"You'll find your way back down And I'll keep the area clear (Please clear the area)" She expects this person will overcome this problem, and even if she/he doesn't ask for her help, she'll keep "the area clear" to him/her and won't ask for anything in return.

"When you find your way back down In one piece Then I'll just be waiting here Right here"

Imogen knows that when this person is healed, their relationship will be fine again and possibly stronger.

i agree with sodeepinstatic, but it can also be seen as a friend getting off a high or getting over depression, either way the moral is that she'll wait for them

I wonder if this is about someone she cares for (a lot) and is trying to help them overcome whatever. it's a good song anyway, and it makes me feel better.

Yea i think this song is about being there for someone regardless. It makes me think of someone on a high, maybe from drugs or just an ego trip (like fame). But I love this song. One of my favorites on her album.

not for this song, but no where to put it..i noticed no one added lyrics for the song "Old Piano" there arent' many to it...it's mostly music, but there are lyrics. hmm, interesting thought...

i think itsmore about some that has a problem. whether its drugs or alcohol or just deep seeted emotional troubles. i think its her saying that yes i will always be here for you no matter what, you can always fall back on me and ill catch you, but i cant help you unless you help yourself. i can show you the path but i cant make you tread it, like you can lead a horse to water but you cant make it drink. but you can always trust that she is doing this for you.

well thats what it says to me anyhow she is some of the best british talent in a long long time

Come on guys, this is all about a friend coming down from a high. Here we have paranoia (“are you alone?”, “I was not followed” etc), with Imogen caring and helping someone chill – coming off the high to land in the cleared – safe – environment. Her being scared - for the drugged friend and probably for their own safety rather than hers. And her being prepared to see them through their high, and be there when cold, harsh reality bites. Imogen seems to be a good friend – but how could she not be when she can produce such incredible music? :)

to me this song personally represents someone who is struggling with depression or something related to depression. "are you alone" when your depressed or struggling with something at times you are very alone mentally. and i believe that this song is a way for a person to say to a friend thats struggling that they can be alone. but remember you can trust me and I will be here for you when you find your way back down (in one piece..another hint to depression) And I will clear the area....as in put myself on hold for you if you need it.

I think this is a straight out story of someone who is highly praised ( a celebrity for example ) and is in a deep depression and everyone won't get off his back. so his best friend..or girl friend keeps everyone away...clearing the area

Its sort of about loving someone who isnt over a past relationship yet......and shes trying to tell them shes there and wont let anything happen to them. Its about loving someone enough to wait for them