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June on the West Coast
Bright Eyes Lyrics


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I spent a week drinking the sunlight of Winnetka, California
Where they understand the weight of human hearts
You see, sorrow gets too heavy and joy it tends to hold you
With the fear that it eventually departs

And the truth is I've been dreaming of some tired tranquil place
Where the weather won't get trapped inside my bones
And if all the years of searching find one sympathetic face
Then it's there I will plant these seeds and make my home

I spent a day dreaming of dying in Mesa, Arizona
Where all the green of life had turned to ash
And I felt I was on fire, with the things I could have told you
I guess I just assumed that you eventually would ask

And I wouldn't have to bring up my so badly broken heart
And all those months I just wanted to sleep
And though spring, it did come slowly, I guess it did it's part
My heart has thawed and continues to beat

I visited my brother on the outskirts of Olympia
Where the forest and the water become one
And we talked about our childhood, like a dream we were convinced of
That perfect peaceful street where we came from

And I know he heard me strumming all those sad and simple chords
As I sat inside my room so long ago
And it hurts that he's still shaking from those secrets that were told
By a car closed up too tight and a heart turned cold

And I went to San Diego, the birthplace of the summer
And watched the ocean dance under the moon
And there was a girl I knew there, one more potential lover
I guess that something's got to happen soon

Because I know I can't keep living in this dead or dying dream
And as I walked along the beach and drank with her
I thought about my true love, the one I really need
With eyes that burn so bright, they make me pure

They make me pure
They make me pure
I long to be with you

Overall Meaning

The Bright Eyes' song, June on the West Coast, is a reflective and evocative journey of self-discovery and longing for a sense of belonging. Conor Oberst's lyrics describe his travels through various cities and landscapes, each evoking different emotions, thoughts, and experiences. The song is about the different ways in which people seek to find meaning and happiness, from running away from their problems to embracing the moments of joy in life.


In the opening lines, Oberst describes his weeklong visit to the sunny and vibrant Winnetka, California, where he finds solace in the understanding of the people and the weight of human hearts. However, he fears losing this sense of joy, as it is ephemeral and transient. He dreams of finding a peaceful and restful place, where he can be free from the burden of pain and sorrow that weighs him down.


In the chorus, Oberst sings about his longing for love – a sympathetic face that can comfort him during his difficult moments. He has spent months searching for someone who can understand him, and he hopes to find that one person who will make his heart feel alive.


The second verse shifts to Mesa, Arizona, where Oberst dreams of dying, surrounded by ash and the ruins of a once-beautiful landscape. He imagines himself on fire, with unspoken words and stories that he longs to share with someone. However, he realizes that he cannot keep these secrets forever and hopes that someone will ask him to open up to them.


The third stanza takes him to Olympia, where he reminisces about his childhood with his brother, the perfect peaceful street where they came from, and the forest and water that become one. He plays his guitar and sings sad and simple chords, and he knows that his brother can hear him as he acknowledges the secrets that he has kept hidden for so long.


The final verse is set in San Diego, where Oberst watches the ocean dance under the moon and meets a girl he knows. He feels the urgency to make something happen, as he cannot keep living in this dead or dying dream. He longs for his true love, the one who can make him feel pure and alive with their bright, burning eyes.


Overall, the song is a poetic and introspective journey that explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships with others, nature, and the self. It portrays the struggles of finding meaning and belonging in a world that can be both beautiful and cruel, and it invites the listener to reflect on their own experiences and search for happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

I spent a week drinking the sunlight of Winnetka, California
I was in a place where people understand the weight of emotions


Where they understand the weight of human hearts
This was a place where I felt understood and validated


You see, sorrow gets too heavy and joy it tends to hold you
Emotions can be overwhelming and difficult to deal with


With the fear that it eventually departs
I am scared that feelings of happiness won't last forever


And the truth is I've been dreaming of some tired tranquil place
I have been searching for peace and rest


Where the weather won't get trapped inside my bones
A place where I can feel physically comfortable


And if all the years of searching find one sympathetic face
If I find someone who truly understands and cares


Then it's there I will plant these seeds and make my home
I will finally feel at home and at peace


I spent a day dreaming of dying in Mesa, Arizona
I was in a dark place and contemplating my mortality


Where all the green of life had turned to ash
The surroundings felt bleak and hopeless


And I felt I was on fire, with the things I could have told you
I had a lot of pent-up emotion that I wanted to express


I guess I just assumed that you eventually would ask
I hoped that someone would care enough to inquire about my feelings


And I wouldn't have to bring up my so badly broken heart
I didn't want to have to initiate the conversation about my pain


And all those months I just wanted to sleep
I was struggling and wanted to escape from reality


And though spring, it did come slowly, I guess it did it's part
Things got better over time, albeit gradually


My heart has thawed and continues to beat
I have healed somewhat and am still alive


I visited my brother on the outskirts of Olympia
I spent time with family in a beautiful place


Where the forest and the water become one
The natural surroundings were serene and striking


And we talked about our childhood, like a dream we were convinced of
My brother and I reminisced about the past


That perfect peaceful street where we came from
We shared memories of a simpler time and place


And I know he heard me strumming all those sad and simple chords
My brother knew I was struggling and expressing myself through music


As I sat inside my room so long ago
This was a memory from the past


And it hurts that he's still shaking from those secrets that were told
My brother is still affected by the pain I went through


By a car closed up too tight and a heart turned cold
I experienced trauma that still affects me and my loved ones


And I went to San Diego, the birthplace of the summer
I traveled to a place associated with warmth and happiness


And watched the ocean dance under the moon
I witnessed a beautiful natural phenomenon


And there was a girl I knew there, one more potential lover
I was open to new romantic possibilities


I guess that something's got to happen soon
I felt like something needed to change in my life


Because I know I can't keep living in this dead or dying dream
I am unhappy with my current circumstances


And as I walked along the beach and drank with her
I spent time with someone I was attracted to


I thought about my true love, the one I really need
I realized that I am still searching for a deeper connection


With eyes that burn so bright, they make me pure
I am seeking a partner who inspires me and brings out my best self


They make me pure
This ideal partner is a symbol of hope and goodness


They make me pure
I am holding onto the belief that I will find this person someday


I long to be with you
This is my ultimate goal and desire




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Conor Oberst

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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