CAROLINA
M.Ward Lyrics
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For the two hundred and fiftieth time
(Well, I? m waiting for a sign)
Well, it looks just like another line
And I? m walking backwards
To the place where I come from
Oh, but that ain? t enough, no, you want me to run
Used to feel like California
With baby eyes so blue
Now I feel like Carolina
I split myself in two
Now I? m walking backwards
From Chicago through Washington
Oh, but that ain? t enough, no, you want me to run
Oh, that ain? t enough, no, you want me to run
Better watch your soul
It? ll leave you like a hundred bucks
My friend said,? Stick to your guns?
But instead I just got stuck
And I? m walking backwards
Lookin? forward to getting done
Oh, but that ain? t enough, no, you want me to run
Oh, that ain? t enough, no, you want me to run
Used to feel like California
With baby eyes so blue
Now I feel like Carolina
I split myself in two
Used to feel like California
With baby eyes so blue
Now I feel like Carolina
I split myself in two
The lyrics to M. Ward's song Carolina seem to articulate the feelings of someone lost and unsure of where they are going. The opening line, "Oh, where you goin?" implies a sense of aimlessness and a lack of direction. The repetition of "Well, I'm waiting for a sign" emphasizes this point further. The singer seems to be searching for any indication of what to do or where to go next. However, their efforts to find direction seem futile, and they describe their experiences as just "another line."
The chorus emphasizes the feeling of being torn between two places - California and Carolina. The singer used to feel like California with "baby eyes so blue" but now feels like Carolina and has "split" themselves in two. The use of the past tense in "used to feel" suggests a longing for a simpler, happier time. However, the split between the two places seems to be emblematic of the split within the singer themselves. They are struggling to reconcile two conflicting parts of their identity or sense of self.
In the second verse, the singer describes how they feel stuck and unable to move forward. They walk backward to their place of origin but find no solace. Again, the line "Oh, but that ain't enough, no, you want me to run" emphasizes the feeling of being pressured or pulled in different directions. The singer feels like they are not moving fast enough, but they are unsure of where to go or how to get there. The repetition of the chorus at the end suggests that the singer is still struggling to reconcile these two different parts of themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, where you goin?
Asking where the other person is going for the 250th time.
For the two hundred and fiftieth time
Emphasizing the repetitiveness of asking the same question.
(Well, I'm waiting for a sign)
Explaining the reason for asking the question and the hope for clarity.
Well, it looks just like another line
Suggesting that the answer is not evident and is like any other response.
And I'm walking backwards
Reflecting on the past and moving away from the present.
To the place where I come from
Returning to the place of origin, both figuratively and literally.
Oh, but that ain't enough, no, you want me to run
Lamenting the pressure to keep moving forward, despite already trying to go back.
Used to feel like California
Remembering the past when everything felt bright and new, like California.
With baby eyes so blue
Recalling the innocence of youth and how the world seemed more colorful.
Now I feel like Carolina
Feeling lost and divided, like the state of North and South Carolina.
I split myself in two
Being divided between different desires, paths, or identities, feeling like two different people.
From Chicago through Washington
Travelling through different cities and locations on a journey of self-discovery.
Better watch your soul
Beware of becoming lost or consumed by the journey, losing oneself in the process.
It'll leave you like a hundred bucks
You may lose a part of yourself along the way, like leaving behind money.
My friend said, 'Stick to your guns'
Receiving advice to stay true to oneself and not lose direction.
But instead I just got stuck
Feeling unable to make a decision or move forward despite advice.
Lookin' forward to getting done
Anticipating completion of the journey and reaching a goal.
Contributed by Grayson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.