Mt. Washington

Local Natives' song 'Mt. Washington' delves into the emotional turmoil of trying to let go of someone or something significant. The repeated line, 'I don't have to see you right now,' serves as a mantra for the narrator, attempting to convince themselves that they can move on. This repetition underscores the difficulty of the process, as if the narrator is trying to solidify their resolve through constant affirmation. The imagery of a 'face stained in the ceiling' suggests a haunting presence that lingers in the narrator's mind, making it hard to escape the memories associated with this person or situation.

The lyrics also explore the futility of trying to bury emotions or memories that are inherently resilient. The line 'Digging like you can bury something that cannot die' highlights the struggle of suppressing feelings that refuse to be forgotten. The act of 'washing the dirt off our hands' symbolizes an attempt to cleanse oneself of past actions or memories, yet the persistence of these emotions keeps them from being fully buried or forgotten. This metaphorical digging and washing illustrate the ongoing battle between wanting to move on and being unable to fully let go.

The mention of a 'lazy summer goddess' and 'our whole empire' adds a layer of nostalgia and grandeur to the narrative. These lines evoke a sense of a past that was once idyllic and powerful, now reduced to a memory that the narrator is trying to distance themselves from. The repeated insistence that 'I don't have to see you right now' becomes a poignant reminder of the difficulty in severing ties with a past that continues to exert its influence. Through its evocative lyrics and haunting repetition, 'Mt. Washington' captures the essence of the struggle to let go and the enduring impact of significant relationships or experiences.