The song "Island Hopping" by Joe Strummer tells the story of a character who is a seafaring person and enjoys living a carefree and uninvolved lifestyle. The lyrics depict a sense of rebellion against traditional work and responsibilities. The character describes the council (local government) as chopping down cherry trees on Mango Street every week, criticizing their actions. They prefer to wait for the tide to get high and the town to transform rather than actively participate in any meaningful work. They mention their aversion to tasks like driving a cab or painting the church, indicating a general disinterest in traditional jobs or roles in the community. This carefree attitude has been consistent for a long time, hence the mention that it has been "the same since I don't know when." The character then describes Casper, a suspicious ghost who floats cargo down the coast. However, they consider this activity too risky for themselves due to their recognizable face in the territory. They compare themselves to a fly in Harry's Bar, not fully utilizing their potential or exploring beyond their comfort zone. Despite this, they express an eagerness to go island hopping again, implying a desire for adventure and escapism. The character mentions Papa Hemingway renting a boat, symbolic of seeking temporary refuge or escape from everyday life with the help of money. They mention having contacts with merchants and waiting for some kind of excitement or action to occur. Overall, the song seems to reflect a sense of dissatisfaction with a mundane and predictable existence, longing for freedom, adventure, and a break from the routine.
