Noah Kahan’s song “Stick Season” takes listeners on an emotional journey through its evocative lyrics and haunting melodies. Although the song’s lyrics are straightforward and easy to grasp, they carry a depth of meaning that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love and the search for self-redemption.
The song begins with a poignant reflection on a broken promise and a relationship’s unraveling. The lines “As you promised me that I was more than all the miles combined / You must have had yourself a change of heart” immediately set the tone for the song’s theme of disappointment and heartbreak. The reference to “the miles combined” suggests the distance that grew between the two individuals, both physically and emotionally.
The metaphorical significance of the exit sign in the lyrics cannot be overlooked. It symbolizes the moment when one person decides to leave the relationship, metaphorically taking the wrong turn and leaving the other behind. This pivotal moment serves as a turning point in the song, marking the beginning of the protagonist’s emotional turmoil.
The chorus captures the essence of the song’s title, “Stick Season,” which alludes to a time of year in Vermont when the landscape becomes barren and desolate. This season mirrors the emotional state of the protagonist, who finds himself in a lonely and empty place after the breakup. The lyrics also mention the mother of the ex-partner, emphasizing the painful reality that the protagonist is now a stranger even to those who were once close to him.
The line “I’ll drink alcohol ’til my friends come home for Christmas” speaks to the coping mechanisms people often employ to numb the pain of a lost love. It suggests a sense of loneliness and isolation, as the protagonist eagerly awaits the arrival of friends to temporarily fill the void left by the departed love.
Throughout the song, there is a palpable sense of longing and nostalgia for the lost relationship. The dreams of “some version of you” and the desire to cancel out the darkness inherited from a troubled past highlight the protagonist’s struggle to move on. The lyrics evoke a profound sense of yearning for something that can never be fully regained.
In the end, “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan encapsulates the pain, regret, and longing that often accompany the end of a significant relationship. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person trying to make sense of the emotional wreckage left behind by love’s departure. Despite the sadness and heartache, the song offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the pain may eventually pass, but the scars will always remain.
Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” reminds us that even in the depths of heartbreak, there is beauty in the raw and unfiltered expression of human emotions. The lyrics serve as a powerful reminder of the universality of love and loss, making this song a poignant and relatable experience for listeners.
