calgary

Tate McRae's song 'calgary' delves into the complexities and struggles of transitioning from adolescence into young adulthood. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is caught between the past and the future, grappling with the expectations of growing up while still feeling emotionally tethered to their younger self. McRae's introspective words reveal a sense of stagnation and the difficulty of moving forward, as she mentions being twenty years old but still feeling like she's fifteen. This juxtaposition highlights the internal conflict many young adults face as they navigate the pressures of maturing and the desire to hold onto the familiarity of youth.

The recurring theme of 'pretending' to have one's life together is a poignant reflection of the facade that many people, especially young adults, feel compelled to maintain. McRae's candid admission about the temptation of pills as a coping mechanism underscores the vulnerability and the silent battles with mental health that are often hidden behind a veneer of composure. The song's chorus, with its raw confession of not truly getting better but just getting better at pretending, resonates with listeners who may also be struggling with their own personal challenges.

The setting of the song, with references to the same bar and street, suggests a cycle of returning to familiar places and habits, which can be both comforting and detrimental. McRae's mention of trying to get her brother to like her and the return of old habits speaks to the difficulty of changing personal dynamics and breaking free from patterns that no longer serve us. The artist's style, often characterized by emotional depth and a confessional tone, allows listeners to connect with the music on a personal level, finding solace in the shared experience of life's ups and downs.