I think these lyrics could simply be about the city rather than a girl. He leaves his home to go to California and when he returns it just doesn't feel the same. He tries to do the things he's done before such as attending church but nothing feels like home anymore. He feels unwelcome now. I don't know much about Birmingham, but I see from the other comments that the "Lou" reference could very well be about a popular pub which again would make sense that he is addressing this spot and stating he no longer feels welcome no matter how hard he tries. Beautiful song.
I think these lyrics could simply be about the city rather than a girl. He leaves his home to go to California and when he returns it just doesn't feel the same. He tries to do the things he's done before such as attending church but nothing feels like home anymore. He feels unwelcome now. I don't know much about Birmingham, but I see from the other comments that the "Lou" reference could very well be about a popular pub which again would make sense that he is addressing this spot and stating he no longer feels welcome no matter how hard he tries. Beautiful song.