Not California
Elizabeth Cook Lyrics

In Elizabeth Cook's song Not California, the lyrics speak to the feeling of disillusionment and disconnection one may feel with their surroundings, even if they physically remain in the same place. The song begins by describing a girl on a screen, who seems to be the only source of color in an otherwise dull and monochrome world. It's almost as if the world around the singer is a black and white film, and the girl on the screen is the only thing that brings color and life to it. But as the song progresses, the singer realizes that even the girl on the screen is not really a source of comfort. The phrase "nah, nah, nah, nah" implies that the girl is essentially saying nothing, revealing that the temporary fix of escaping into a technological world cannot replace true human connection.

The verse that follows continues the theme of disillusionment as the singer goes for a drive in what used to be a familiar place, only to find that it no longer holds the same meaning or familiarity it once did. The "empty lots around" are a metaphor for the emptiness and desolation the singer feels, and the "they" who "don't know what you hold dear" could represent society as a whole. The singer feels that nobody can truly understand her experience or see things the way she does, which is a lonely and isolating realization.

The chorus of the song emphasizes that while the world may seem shiny and new, it's not necessarily true or fair, and can't replace the sense of belonging that comes from true human connection. The line "they're not us" implies that the singer feels a sense of community with someone else, perhaps the person she wants to be with tonight, but that this community is separate from the false sense of community that technology can provide. The repeated phrase "not California" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the idea that no matter how sunny and perfect a place may seem on the surface, it can't replace the sense of home and belonging that comes from genuine human relationships.

Overall, Not California is a poignant song that captures the disillusionment and disconnect that can come from living in a technological age. While technology can provide a temporary escape, it cannot replace the need for authentic human connection and belonging.