Lyric discussion by amused2it 

I love seeing how others related to this song. There are interpretations that I had never thought of but yet make sense.

So, I'll give it a try...

Sunny reminds me of a house wife, maybe middle aged. She's spent her youth on her husband and family. The kitchen is where they would all meet together for meals so, I imagine it's her favorite room. She sounds like a novice when she gets a book and a box of tools. Almost like she's passing from the young "helpless" in the relationship and trying to do something for herself but she's a novice at it. If anyone has ever been trapped in a dead end or abusive relationship then you know what I mean when I say " Quiet desperation". The refrain sounds like the mental state of someone living through that quiet desperation.
The next part I wasn't sure about. I thought the list of names was for people she would run to because she didn't want to end up on the street or leave it to chance. I pictured a situation like Julia Roberts in "Sleeping With The Enemy". Sunny would disappear but she didn't believe that God or good luck would come through for her so she has a list of names, friends that will hide her take her and the kids in off the street. If Sunny is coming home with a vengeance then she's punishing someone for something and she's going to "fix them". Get the kids and bring a sweater, dry is good and wind is better...Sunny sounds like a mom, she is listing things, almost like a to do list and weighing her options for the best possible outcome.
When she "counts the years, you always knew it" it's a hidden crime that she suspected but either didn't have proof or just didn't want to see. I was thinking that maybe her husband was cheating on her, but after looking at some of the other comments it could be that her children are being abused.
Everything that she knew is gone, but she's on her own and she's alright.

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