We're leaving

DeVotchka's song "We're leaving" is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, loss, and the inevitable passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a group of individuals reflecting on their past, raising their glasses in a toast to the memories of their hometown and the ghosts that inhabit it. The act of letting the drink spill on the floor symbolizes a release of pent-up emotions and a rejection of holding onto the past. The mention of specific months—June, July, August, September—highlights the passage of time and the desire to forget, suggesting that these months hold significant, perhaps painful, memories.

The song delves into the theme of separation and the bittersweet nature of cherished memories. The imagery of lying wasted on a bed, staring at a photograph, evokes a sense of longing and the pain of parting from loved ones. The promise made with a cross over their hearts to never drift apart is a poignant reminder of the bonds that once seemed unbreakable but have now been tested by time and circumstances. The repeated refrain, "It's a shame my dear, there's no room for lost years," underscores the inevitability of moving on, even when it means leaving behind what was once dear.

The final verse introduces a sense of existential questioning and loss. The protagonist's search for their heroes, family, and loved ones, only to find them gone, suggests a deeper sense of abandonment and disconnection. The phrase "gone over to the other side" can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically, hinting at death or a significant change that has created an unbridgeable gap. The song concludes with a resigned acceptance of departure, encapsulating the sorrow and necessity of leaving behind a place and time that no longer holds space for the protagonist.