☝️ Key Points
- The song is about self-discovery and a fresh start, symbolized by the West Coast and specifically California.
- The singer expresses his longing for a new life and sees the West Coast as a place where he can find happiness.
- The warmth and relaxed lifestyle of the West Coast are emphasized.
- The desire for sunshine represents a desire for joy, happiness, and warmth.
- The song is an anthem of hope and faith in better days, regardless of the current situation.
Interpretation
The song 'West Coast' by
OneRepublic is an ode to self-discovery and new beginnings. The singer talks about his longing for a place he hasn't yet been to but sees in his dreams - the West Coast, specifically California. In lines like 'I've been dreaming about the West Coast' and 'Found some places that I don't know', he expresses his idea of a new life, far from his current situation, which is marked by bad luck and darkness ('I've been starin' up at the grayest skies').
He sees the West Coast as a place where he can leave his problems behind and find happiness ('Sometimes you gotta run from my broken heart', 'Before I turn into a ghost, need a brand new start'). Additionally, the magic of the West Coast, its warmth, and its laid-back lifestyle are highlighted ('I see your signs for California', 'Change the shade for something warmer', 'Where the people take you real slow').
The desire for the sun ('I need the sun for just a year') represents a longing for joy, happiness, and warmth in his life. 'I'll kiss the sky and disappear' hints at a complete fresh start by leaving behind his old identity and fitting into the new life on the West Coast.
Overall, the song expresses the belief in the possibility of a new beginning and self-discovery, regardless of how gray and bleak the current situation may seem. It is an anthem of hope and faith in better days.