Now, I'm really not positive, but I'm inclined to think that the house he's speaking of is a metaphor for his mind. Especially the line "I've had the nightmares, I've seen some counselors" makes me think that. I also don't know that Ben Folds has or ever has had any mental health problems, but that's definitely what I think of every time I hear this song. Having recently read "The Goldfinch," in which the main character has PTSD, these lyrics sound to me like those of a person with PTSD, or another anxiety disorder. The person used to be afraid of their thoughts, but now they're not nervous anymore. Instead, they just avoid themselves, and don't think about it.
Now, I'm really not positive, but I'm inclined to think that the house he's speaking of is a metaphor for his mind. Especially the line "I've had the nightmares, I've seen some counselors" makes me think that. I also don't know that Ben Folds has or ever has had any mental health problems, but that's definitely what I think of every time I hear this song. Having recently read "The Goldfinch," in which the main character has PTSD, these lyrics sound to me like those of a person with PTSD, or another anxiety disorder. The person used to be afraid of their thoughts, but now they're not nervous anymore. Instead, they just avoid themselves, and don't think about it.
A beautiful song. Ben Folds can't be beat.