El Dorado
Every Time I Die Lyrics

"El Dorado" by Every Time I Die is an emotive and introspective song that deals with themes of personal struggle and detachment from other people. The song opens with the lines "You were alone when you came in / You'll be alone when you leave again," which establish a sense of solitude that pervades the entire song. The next line, "And in the middle there's nothing that can keep you around when it's time to go home," suggests a feeling of transience or impermanence, and a sense of being adrift in a world where nothing truly lasts. The singer describes how everyone they rely on "leans on someone else," which highlights the difficulty of connecting with others in a meaningful way.

The chorus of the song echoes the sense of isolation and desperation that the verses convey. The line "I could beg and I could plead but all I hear is the echo of my own voice begging me" suggests a profound sense of emptiness or futility, as if the singer is reaching out in vain for some kind of solace or comfort that is ultimately unattainable. The second half of the song features some striking imagery, such as "the fossils of the teen age are well preserved in the arctic wasteland," which suggests a sense of nostalgia for a time when things felt simpler or more certain. The repeated refrain of "scrap the crown / clean the slate / cut off your roots / you're on your own" reinforces the sense of detachment and self-sufficiency that runs throughout the song.

Overall, "El Dorado" is a powerful and deeply affecting song about the struggle to connect with others and find meaning in a world that often feels hostile and alienating. The lyrics are delivered with raw emotion and vulnerability, making it a standout track on Every Time I Die's already impressive discography.