Arcadia
Santa Clara Lyrics

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I'll wait by the phone
I'm here if you like
Alone on the coast
Time slipping by

PRE
Give me a reason - Anything you like
I'll be fine

We both knew that you'd change your mind
I'll be fine

Hang on, I feel a fever coming on
Why can't we go back to Arcadia

I long for your voice
But dread what you'll say
Away from my light
Had time to contemplate

PRE
Give me a reason - Anything you like
I'll be fine
We both knew that you'd change your mind
I'll be fine

Hang on I feel a fever coming on
Why can't we go back to Arcadia

BRIDGE
So I'll walk a lonely road, Six strings & broken home
I wanna live in a magazine, picture perfect in a country scene

But what I want is fantasy, that life wasn't made for me
Maybe one day I'll call you up, and meet at Arcadia

Overall Meaning

The song "Arcadia" by Santa Clara is a melancholic ballad about yearning for a lost love and the feelings of loneliness that come with that void. The singer appears to be waiting by the phone, hoping for their former lover to call, even if the conversation may not be something they want to hear. The imagery of being alone on the coast with time slipping by sets a somber tone, emphasizing the slow and painful passage of time.

The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, as the singer asks for a reason as to why they cannot go back to "Arcadia." It's not entirely clear what "Arcadia" refers to, but it can be interpreted as a metaphor for a simpler, happier time in the past that the singer wishes to return to. The bridge of the song offers further insight into the singer's mindset, as they describe their longing for a perfect life that feels excessive and unattainable. Despite this, there's a glimmer of hope at the end of the song, as the singer suggests that they may one day be able to "call you up and meet at Arcadia," potentially hinting at a desire to reconcile with their former lover.

Line by Line Meaning

I'll wait by the phone
I am waiting for you to call me

I'm here if you like
I am available for you, whenever you need me

Alone on the coast
I am isolated and by myself on the shoreline

Time slipping by
I am aware of how fast time is passing

Give me a reason - Anything you like
I need you to tell me why there is distance between us

I'll be fine
I am telling myself it's okay and I will manage

We both knew that you'd change your mind
We were aware that you would eventually have a change of heart

Hang on, I feel a fever coming on
I am getting a feeling of sickness or anticipation

Why can't we go back to Arcadia
I wish we could return to a simpler, happier time

I long for your voice
I miss hearing from you

But dread what you'll say
I fear that what you're going to say will upset me