The song Massachusetts by Handsome Ghost tells the story of a relationship that has reached its end. The protagonist reflects on the memories of their time together, from riding the empty train to Brooklyn, to visiting a bar where they talked about their problems. The lyrics express a longing to hold on to the past and the hopelessness of trying to fix what has already been broken. The song is named after the state of Massachusetts, where the protagonist plans to start a new life and forget about the failed relationship. The line "I'll go back to Massachusetts, find myself a house with a backyard" suggests a desire for stability and a fresh start. The mention of a note signed in lower case, "like you have since eighteen," is a nod to the familiarity and intimacy that the two shared. Overall, Massachusetts is a melancholic song that captures the feelings of loss and longing that come from the end of a meaningful relationship. The lyrics remind us that even when we have moved on, we may still hold on to memories that keep us from truly letting go.
