Califormula

In 'Califormula,' blackbear delves into the depths of heartache and the desperate measures one might take to escape it. The song opens with a vivid scene of the artist purchasing drugs in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel, setting a tone of recklessness and despair. This act of buying drugs from a stranger symbolizes a search for a quick fix to numb the pain of a lost love. The repeated mention of 'Califormula' suggests a concoction or formula specific to California, possibly alluding to the state's notorious party culture and the easy availability of substances to escape reality.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'I got that Califormula,' emphasizes the artist's reliance on this escape mechanism. The phrase 'one more night' indicates a cycle of temporary relief, hinting at a deeper, unresolved emotional turmoil. The lyrics 'No use in thinkin' 'bout you now / Cuz you're gone, you're gone' reflect a struggle to move on from a past relationship. Despite attempts to forget, the lingering presence of the ex-lover haunts the artist, as seen in lines like 'I always feel like I'm behind you' and 'I always feel like I'm beside ya.' This juxtaposition of trying to forget while feeling perpetually connected to the past lover creates a poignant tension throughout the song.

The repetition of 'you're gone' towards the end of the song underscores the finality and the artist's attempt to come to terms with the loss. However, the continuous cycle of using 'Califormula' suggests that the artist is trapped in a loop of temporary escapes rather than finding a permanent resolution. The song captures the essence of modern heartbreak, where the pain is often masked by substances and fleeting distractions, yet the underlying sorrow remains unresolved. blackbear's raw and honest portrayal of this emotional struggle resonates with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of loss and the futile attempts to escape it.