Waxahatchee, named after Waxahatchee Creek in Alabama where Crutchfield grew up, began in 2010 during the breakup of P.S. Eliot. Crutchfield released her first music as Waxahatchee as a split cassette with Chris Clavin on Plan-It-X Records. Her bedroom-recorded debut album, American Weekend, was released on Don Giovanni Records in 2012.
On June 11, 2012 "Be Good" was the song of the day on NPR as well as one of the best 50 songs of 2012. Her debut album, "American Weekend," was named a top album of 2012 by Dusted magazine.
Subsequent albums include Cerulean Salt (2013), Ivy Tripp (2015), Out in the Storm (2017), Saint Cloud (2020), and the upcoming Tigers Blood (out March 22, 2024)
Coast to Coast
Waxahatchee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blood on the back seat
Lives in disgrace
Scarface he doesn't need
I sail from coast to coast
I'll try to brace the lows
We lay at night
Living on highs to the empty lows
Dodged every wreckless world
What is the way that we do not barely know?
The lyrics to Waxahatchee's "Coast to Coast" describe the internal turmoil and emotional struggles of someone who seems to be constantly on the move, facing the highs and lows of life but never quite finding true stability. The opening lines suggest some sort of violent incident or tragedy, as there is an empty seat in the chest of a vehicle and blood on the back seat. The person in question is living in disgrace, perhaps as a result of their own actions or simply due to the harsh realities of life on the road.
Despite the darkness and uncertainty, the singer continues to sail from coast to coast, hopeful that they can weather the storms and find some sort of peace. They are aware of the "empty lows" that come with the "living on highs" lifestyle, and seem to be grappling with their own sense of purpose and direction in the face of so much upheaval. The closing lines acknowledge that they have avoided danger in the past, but remain unsure of what the future holds or what the best path forward might be.
Overall, "Coast to Coast" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of life on the move, and the toll that constant change and uncertainty can take on a person's psyche.
Line by Line Meaning
Chest seat is empty
The front passenger seat is vacant
Blood on the back seat
There are visible stains of blood on the car's back seat
Lives in disgrace
The person's life is full of shame and dishonor
Scarface he doesn't need
The person has no desire to have scars like Tony Montana
I sail from coast to coast
Travelling extensively from one end of the country to another
I'll try to brace the lows
I will try to face and overcome difficult times
We lay at night
We spend our nights in a relaxed state
Cursed as I stay dry
Despite being safe and sound, the person feels cursed or unhappy
Living on highs to the empty lows
Experiencing extreme emotional ups and downs
Dodged every reckless world
Avoiding every dangerous situation or person in the world
What is the way that we do not barely know?
We are uncertain of the path we should take in life
Contributed by Austin W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Costa
I am obsessed with this song!!! I wish it was longer:(
Costa
I hope she soon gets the recognition she deserves!!!! I'm glad CHVRCHES shared this! I will be buying the shit out of Cerulean salt when it comes out!!!
TBBMusicBlog
Wonderful record. Thanks for sharing the video.
YourLittleAmpersand
Awesome song and video.
slanderman
This makes me feel like my youth
Graham Corking
God damn I bloody love this song.
launderground
we love waxahatchee.
moogrocker
Fucking great
burritopunx
George Noory and John B. Wells on backup vocals.
ondagster
i love her