Lyric discussion by Alexis1985 

Cover art for You Are a Tourist lyrics by Death Cab for Cutie

Beautifully said followthewhiterabit.

Expanding on this is the idea that some people won't understand the changes you feel inside. They may discourage you out of fear of the unknown or fear of risks that may ensue. As was said, you may feel this struggle internally as well.

You may be a "villian in the story you have written," not only because of your own fears, but also society. Maybe your society hasn't accepted who you are and what grows in your heart. They do not understand. But the fire grows nonetheless.

Maybe you have become a "tourist in the city you born" in because the place you live is now foreign to you--you are the foreigner amongst the people, attitudes, beliefs, rules, culture that have been set forth. Things look familiar because you grew up there, but in your mind this place isn't home anymore.

Home is a state of acceptance, growth, and love of the you who is blossoming into something more. (The dancers in the video portray this beautifully; a human kaleidoscope- blossoming, growing, changing, paths unfolding, people crossing)

The melody and lyrics are so beautiful, and the song is one that you just have to listen to more than once. It stirs emotions on the first listen, but you can't quite put your finger on what it is about it. Something inside makes you want to hear it again. There are more layers to unfold when your mind is ready to make the connections.

The idea of the beauty of the song itself unfolding before you with each listen, not being able to put your finger on it, listening again, the love that grows with each listen until finally you get it and you think, "Wow. This song is awesome."

This fire grows higher.

From society in general to the artists portrayal to the song coming to you---it flows perfectly on different levels.

And life eventually unfolds the way it should. If you listen to the burning in your heart it will unfold in beautiful ways.

My Interpretation