James McMurtry：Meaning of Forgotten Coast Songmeaning

The song "Forgotten Coast" by James McMurtry tells the story of a man who decides to leave his current life behind and start fresh on the Gulf Coast of Florida. He plans to trade his car, change his name, and live a simple life by the beach, away from the world. The lyrics mention walking the beach with a pirate's ghost, which adds a mystical element to this tale of a man looking for a new start. He plans to hide out among the seafood shacks and oyster boats on the coast, hoping to find peace and solitude. The chorus mentions that no one will find him there with his steel guitar and rocking chair, highlighting the isolation that he seeks. He also mentions that he will tell the one he will miss the most that he is down on that forgotten coast, indicating that he is leaving someone behind but doesn't want them to find him. Overall, the song conveys a sense of longing for a different life and a desire to escape from the world. The forgotten coast becomes a symbol of an idyllic place where the protagonist hopes to find a new sense of purpose and happiness.