I know what this song means - Simon Fowler is gay and does not intend to have children. The feeling of being 'outside the circle' means refers to how not having children and a family makes him feel. The verses are basically about him dwelling on the way this makes him feel. 'Will i turn my coat to the rain etc' is him asking if he will be able to find happiness without it and 'sing to those I know on their birthdays' etc refers to how he is still part of the lives of the children and families of his friends and how that makes him feel like he ISN'T outside the circle occasionally. I knew exactly how he felt when this song was around a lot more and it is a very profound and beautiful statement really. You can find this info elsewhere on the internet if you search.
I know what this song means - Simon Fowler is gay and does not intend to have children. The feeling of being 'outside the circle' means refers to how not having children and a family makes him feel. The verses are basically about him dwelling on the way this makes him feel. 'Will i turn my coat to the rain etc' is him asking if he will be able to find happiness without it and 'sing to those I know on their birthdays' etc refers to how he is still part of the lives of the children and families of his friends and how that makes him feel like he ISN'T outside the circle occasionally. I knew exactly how he felt when this song was around a lot more and it is a very profound and beautiful statement really. You can find this info elsewhere on the internet if you search.