hospital beach

Cottonwood Firing Squad's song 'hospital beach' delves into the turbulent emotions and experiences of a young person grappling with loneliness, anxiety, and a sense of dislocation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a 16-year-old who is 'coked up,' indicating a struggle with substance abuse, and is desperately trying to find their way home. This journey is not just physical but also metaphorical, representing a search for identity and belonging in a world that feels increasingly alienating.

The imagery of 'picking skin around my fingernails' and 'built a compound, trade it for a hospital' suggests a deep-seated anxiety and a desire for escape. The compound could symbolize a self-imposed isolation or a protective barrier the protagonist has built around themselves, which they are willing to trade for the sterile, controlled environment of a hospital. This trade-off highlights a yearning for safety and stability, even if it means surrendering freedom.

The repeated mention of 'sixteen and coked up' underscores the protagonist's youth and the destructive path they are on. The idea of bleaching hair and pretending to be someone else speaks to a desire to escape one's current reality and assume a new identity, perhaps in the hope of finding solace or acceptance. The haunting of the west coast could symbolize a restless spirit, forever searching and never quite finding peace. Through these poignant lyrics, Cottonwood Firing Squad captures the essence of a troubled youth's struggle with inner demons and the desperate measures they take to cope with their pain.