Carolina
B. Gibbard & A. Kenny Lyrics


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Every scream went bleeding through these paper walls
And all the make-up in the world couldn't hide the scars
I leave today, I'm packing light: a suitcase, some toiletries
The rolling hills and willow trees of Carolina wait for me

You never learned, the rules have changed since we were nine
This isn't school, boys don't assault the girls they like
The taste of blood, the claim of love
These two will here on cease to be
Sprouting from your fists and tongue 'cause Carolina waits for me

Fields of grain go whipping by from the window seat
I'm drifting in, I'm drifting out catching up on sleep
I couldn't get indentured since the very crest of 17
I left my keys and broken dreams 'cause Carolina waits for me

I will never forgive a single day
Mile markers seem to call my name and say,




"You're safer now through every town, we'll light your way in reflective green"
All the way, the entire state of Carolina waits for me

Overall Meaning

In "Carolina" by B. Gibbard & A. Kenny, the lyrics paint a picture of someone leaving behind a painful past and looking forward to a brighter future. The opening lines describe the pain experienced through "paper walls," which may be a metaphor for societal norms or expectations that may have kept the singer trapped in a situation that caused them emotional harm. The make-up that couldn't hide the scars may refer to a physical or emotional attempt to conceal the pain they felt.


The singer leaves behind someone who may have been abusive ("boys don't assault the girls they like"), and the lyrics suggest that this person mistook violence for love. The taste of blood and the claim of love suggest a dangerous and misguided devotion. The decision to leave is empowering and symbolized by packing light, leaving behind only essentials and broken dreams.


The imagery used in the final stanza is particularly powerful. As the singer leaves, they see mile markers that seem to call out to them, offering safety and protection. The entire state of Carolina seems to wait for them, promising a fresh start filled with rolling hills, willow trees, and fields of grain. The singer may feel that this journey is a form of rebirth.


Line by Line Meaning

Every scream went bleeding through these paper walls
The screams were so intense that even the thin walls could not contain them and spilled out bleeding into the surrounding space.


And all the make-up in the world couldn't hide the scars
No amount of cosmetics could cover up the deep wounds and scars that were caused by the screams.


I leave today, I'm packing light: a suitcase, some toiletries
Leaving without much baggage, only taking necessary items such as clothes and basic hygiene products.


The rolling hills and willow trees of Carolina wait for me
The picturesque landscapes of Carolina are eagerly waiting for me to arrive and take in their natural beauty.


You never learned, the rules have changed since we were nine
You have not adapted to the changing rules since childhood, where boys can no longer use physical aggression to show affection.


This isn't school, boys don't assault the girls they like
Physical assault is never an acceptable way of showing love or interest in someone, especially outside of a school setting.


The taste of blood, the claim of love
The violent and harmful actions, supposedly fueled by love, have led to nothing but pain and injury.


These two will here on cease to be
The connection between violence and love will no longer exist.


Sprouting from your fists and tongue 'cause Carolina waits for me
The desire to arrive in Carolina without any demonic incidents will push one to control harmful speech and actions.


Fields of grain go whipping by from the window seat
Sitting beside the window, the view of rapidly passing fields of grains is enchanting.


I'm drifting in, I'm drifting out catching up on sleep
The boredom of the mundane journey makes it impossible to not drift in and out of sleep to pass the time.


I couldn't get indentured since the very crest of 17
Unable to sign up for a work agreement since turning 17 due to certain reasons.


I left my keys and broken dreams 'cause Carolina waits for me
Left all worries and past dreams behind to focus on reaching Carolina.


I will never forgive a single day
The past was too traumatic to ever forgive, since it caused a lot of harm and distress.


Mile markers seem to call my name and say
The milestones along the road almost feel like they are beckoning to reach the destination soon.


"You're safer now through every town, we'll light your way in reflective green"
Each town provides a sense of safety and the road is well-lit with green signals to guide towards the destination.


All the way, the entire state of Carolina waits for me
The entire state of Carolina is eagerly anticipating and waiting for the arrival.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHAN KINCHLA, JOHN C. POPPER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@wwoods9237

I wish I had remembered this song as I was fleeing domestic violence. I loved it before and rediscovered it after when I was free to like my own interests again.

I didn't go to either of the Carolinas, but I did take a very long bus ride with a suitcase. And I'm glad I did.

And if you're wondering if you should, then.. maybe you should.

@laudanumpotion

Everybody talking about Gibbard when there's two people who made this album possible. His name is Andrew Kenny and he's made amazing music as well.

@pseudogenesis

The vocal harmony in the hook is beautiful.

@thegreatkilljoy1730

pseudogenesis I agree

@garbear384

Came across this gem on pandora. Instant classic!

@earthisbeautiful3921

Garett Jerel I like this song because the title is my name

@MJC1891

Dude has such a great singing voice. Thank you ben

@HoneeGarden

This song means the world to me, I really wish it were on Tidal

@imaflymydroneatit

This song means so much to me

@AtomNotAdam

I've always said that about Ben<3 he is my inspiration when it comes to any kind of writing.

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