The song "Cortez (Demo)" by Joywave tells the story of a person who is reflecting on their desire to be remembered and their fear of growing old and being forgotten. The protagonist recounts driving someone around and going uptown where they were noticed by others. They then resolve some issues and head to the water. The lyrics express the protagonist's plea for the other person to start believing in something and making up their mind. They use the metaphor of going under the water and describe the depths as looking lovely. This could symbolize the allure of the unknown or the deep emotions and thoughts that lie beneath the surface. The protagonist then takes a train back and tries to count the tracks until they see the person again. They share a laugh, but the doubts of the other person remain hidden under water, suggesting that they are not fully open or honest. In the next part of the song, the protagonist mentions longing to be remembered, implying that they fear being forgotten as they age. They express their desire to find loose change in a fountain, hoping that a careless person would have thrown in a few more days of life. This might symbolize their longing to extend their time and postpone the inevitable process of aging and being forgotten. Overall, "Cortez (Demo)" delves into the universal fear and longing for significance and remembrance. The lyrics highlight the vulnerability and uncertainty of life, as well as the fleeting nature of time.
