I always took it to be about the spirit of someone being cremated:
I know I'm not coming down - his smoke/spirit drifts up from the body
All my colours turn to clouds - his body turns to smoke
What d'you say when your heart's in pieces? - a question to the bereaved
That box you gave me burned nicely - box=coffin
Hey, I've flown away, Hey, I'm blown away - his smoke/spirit drifts away on the wind
So (for once!) McCulloch is being straight when he says it's about loss and holding on.
I always took it to be about the spirit of someone being cremated: I know I'm not coming down - his smoke/spirit drifts up from the body All my colours turn to clouds - his body turns to smoke What d'you say when your heart's in pieces? - a question to the bereaved That box you gave me burned nicely - box=coffin Hey, I've flown away, Hey, I'm blown away - his smoke/spirit drifts away on the wind
So (for once!) McCulloch is being straight when he says it's about loss and holding on.
Great song.