What Is It Like
gosto Lyrics

In the first verse, the lyrics describe a scene of someone sitting in a chair, smoking cigars, with their heels resting on the table on Sunset Boulevard. However, amidst this luxurious and glamorous setting, there is a reminder to remember where this person came from and the feeling of freedom they once experienced. The line "Heels under table // Tryin’ to turn the tables" suggests that despite their current success or power, there is still a trace of their rebellious and nonconformist past, just like the singer who identifies as a punk.

The chorus then asks a rhetorical question repeatedly: "Tell me what is like to be there on your own." This line could be interpreted in a couple of ways. Firstly, it depicts the curiosity or desire to know what it feels like to be in the position of the person being described, living a life of privilege and possibly isolation. The repeated questioning emphasizes the yearning for understanding and empathy. Secondly, it also implies a sense of detachment or loneliness that might exist in such a position of power or wealth, as being "on your own" suggests a lack of true companionship or genuine connections.

In the second verse, the lyrics explore a potential encounter between the singer and the person being described. The question is posed whether this person would acknowledge the singer if they were to cross paths on the street. The line suggests a potential confrontation or conflict, where the person being described might choose to ignore or pretend not to see the singer and the situation. This kind of avoidance or denial can be seen as an act of asserting superiority or maintaining a distance from their past.

The verse continues with the imagery of "Kill me with a handshake" and "Emasculate my charms." These lines portray a power dynamic and the potential for manipulation or control in their interaction. It implies that the person being described has the ability to effortlessly undermine the singer's confidence and attractiveness. The metaphor of an arrow to the heart further emphasizes the emotional impact of this encounter, suggesting that the singer's vulnerability could be exploited and hurt.

Overall, the song "What Is It Like" by gosto touches on themes of nostalgia, power dynamics, and the desire for understanding and connection. It explores a dichotomy between the person's current position of wealth and success and their past as a rebellious and nonconforming individual. Through vivid imagery and introspective questioning, the lyrics delve into the complexities of human emotions and the impact of social environments on personal identity.