The song "Sedona" by Houndmouth tells the story of a town called Sedona and its decline in reputation and popularity. Sedona is depicted as a once vibrant and lively place, symbolized by the red sandstone that fell on top of Sedona Arabella. The name Sedona Arabella is a combination of the town's name and a female name, representing the town itself. The lyrics mention filmmaker John Ford, who invites Sedona Arabella to hop on the stagecoach and take a ride with him. This could symbolize the idea of Sedona being a part of the entertainment industry at its peak. However, as time passes, the song suggests that Hollywood and its glamorous lifestyle have left Sedona behind. The line "Hey little Hollywood, you're gone but you're not forgot" reflects the notion that Sedona may have lost its former glory, but its influence and impact on people's lives is still remembered. Despite having money, Sedona's credit is no good, implying that the town has lost its reputation and status. The reference to the blacklist and its hosts suggests that Sedona, like many others in the entertainment industry, faced the consequences of being accused of having communist sympathies during the McCarthy era. This forced many individuals to flee to California, seeking new opportunities, but ultimately ending up unemployed. The lyrics "The devil's in a rush and his duct tape makes you hush" can be interpreted as a metaphor for corrupt influences silencing and stifling creativity in Hollywood, possibly alluding to the power of corporate interests or censorship. Overall, "Sedona" tells the story of a town that has fallen from its former glory, reflecting on the loss of its vibrant culture and the impact of the entertainment industry. The song mourns the decline of Sedona while reminiscing about its past and the nostalgia of the bright pink neon lights that used to shine on Saturday nights.
