The song "Odessa" by Gallows is open to interpretation as it can be subjective to each listener. However, based on the lyrics, it seems to convey themes of regret, melancholy, and a desire for escape. The lyrics suggest a deep sense of burden and a wish to erase the past. The lines "I couldn't blur it all out if I had a thousand years" and "I'd need a hundred more to make it disappear" imply a feeling of being unable to escape or forget something troubling. The narrator expresses that if given the chance, they would not repeat their past actions as it would cause harm to everyone, stating "If I had to do it all over again, there's no way I would, Everyone would go missing." The mention of Odessa and the Black Sea evoke a sense of longing for a specific place, most likely seen as a form of solace or refuge. Wanting to scatter ashes in Odessa and being "at the bottom of the world" implies a desire to find peace or closure in that location. Odessa can also symbolize an escape from the narrator's current state of distress. The song also touches upon themes of self-destructive behavior and seeking redemption. Lines like "You can stare at a car crash, but it'll stare right back" and "The violent labours of love in the back of a Cadillac" suggest a fascination with destructive choices and consequences. The line "I'm a sycophant, I'm a small-time crook, I'm a hail of bullets, I'm a name crossed out in your history book" further emphasizes a sense of guilt or wrongdoing. Overall, "Odessa" portrays a complex mix of emotions like regret, longing, and a yearning for escape. The song leaves room for personal interpretation and may resonate differently with each individual listener.
