"In March" by Henry Jamison tells the story of a nostalgic reminiscence of a past youth-filled friendship and the exploration of emotions and experiences during that time. The song begins by setting the scene at a gas station where the narrator and the protagonist (referred to as Tom) meet and spend the whole day together. They later go home and play the video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA) while sitting in darkness, possibly indicating a sense of isolation or melancholy. The lyrics then describe the in-game experience where the protagonist is immersed in a virtual world. The people in the game are likened to simulacrum, meaning they are copies or imitations of reality, waiting to be killed by the protagonist. The narrator observes this and mentions taking a Black Hawk helicopter in the game to watch the virtual sunset over San Andreas (a fictional city in GTA). The chorus reflects on the narrator's perspective when they were seventeen, longing to understand the deeper meaning behind certain gestures and moments in life. It suggests that the world is full of both beauty and sadness, symbolized by the shimmering fish, bulls, honey, and rain. The song then shifts focus to Tom's father, who enters the scene with a sense of vulnerability. He has a "golden arm" and an undone shirt and heart, possibly indicating a troubled or flawed character. He addresses Tom, who responds by moving his thumb, potentially indicating a response or action that expresses discontent. Tom gets out of the car and unloads his gun, a metaphorical action suggesting he is releasing his frustrations or pent-up emotions. The lyrics portray Tom as lonely, mentioning a basement room that his dad blew through. This could imply a turbulent or disruptive household environment. The next part of the song introduces Tom's mother, who brings Coca-Cola, leading to a break in the virtual game they were playing. The lyrics then describe a scene in the game where Tom's character falls upon a woman who seems to mouth Tom's name, possibly creating a sense of guilt or inner conflict for him. In response, Tom swiftly gets into a nearby car and departs for the equator, symbolizing a desire to escape or find solace elsewhere. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the longing for understanding and the coexistence of both beauty and sadness in the world. Towards the end of the song, an unspecified time in March is highlighted when the crocuses bloom, representing a hopeful and renewing season. The lyrics describe the two friends getting off the couch and leaving the room. The narrator tells Tom that it is true that he loves the world and that the world loves him. Overall, "In March" explores themes of youth, longing, disillusionment, family dynamics, and the complex emotions associated with growing up. The song evokes a sense of wistfulness and reflection on past experiences.
