California (Unreleased)

Harry Styles' unreleased song "California" delves into themes of nostalgia, heartache, and the bittersweet memories tied to a specific place and person. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a past relationship that has left an indelible mark on the narrator. The repeated phrase "Oh, it's you who left a mark on me" underscores the lasting impact of this person, suggesting that despite the passage of time and distance, their influence remains strong. The imagery of a "skinny girl and shiny car" and an "unpaid tab and shitty bar" evokes a sense of youthful recklessness and carefree moments that are now tinged with a sense of loss and longing.

The chorus, with its references to being "stuck inside my summer home" and the repeated invocation of "California," suggests a place that once held promise and joy but now feels confining and melancholic. The mention of "summer's death" and the smell of "change and burning peels" further emphasizes the theme of transformation and the end of an era. California, often seen as a symbol of dreams and new beginnings, is here portrayed as a place of both beauty and sorrow, reflecting the duality of the narrator's emotions.

Throughout the song, there are references to mundane yet intimate moments, such as "kitten scratch and parking fines" and "skip food a couple days." These details add depth to the narrative, highlighting the everyday realities of the relationship and the ways in which these small, seemingly insignificant moments have left a lasting impression. The juxtaposition of these personal memories with the broader, more universal theme of California as a place of change and transition creates a poignant and relatable story of love, loss, and the passage of time.