The song "Beautiful Beaches" by James depicts a sense of urgency and desire for escape. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist, along with their loved one, needs to wake up and get ready to leave their current situation behind ("Better wake up my love, get up, it's time, time to get out of Dodge"). The line "That case won't fit the car" implies that they may have limited resources or belongings, but it doesn't stop them from racing towards the beautiful beaches. They accelerate, feeling the need to put the pedal to the floor, symbolizing their determination and drive to reach their desired destination. The chorus emphasizes their willingness to take risks and leave everything behind, even "burning down the houses" metaphorically. They feel surrounded in their current circumstances and find solace in getting out of Kansas. Kansas may symbolize a monotonous or suffocating environment from which they long to escape. As they journey towards their destination, the song mentions smoke in the air, possibly representing troubles or obstacles they encounter on their way. Despite this, they remain resolute and steadfast, racing towards the beautiful beaches that hold the promise of a better life. Overall, "Beautiful Beaches" tells a story of a couple's quest for freedom and a fresh start. It reflects the longing for a new beginning and the determination to overcome obstacles in order to reach a place of beauty and tranquility.
