The song "Golden State" by Joywave tells the story of a person who has witnessed various landscapes and experiences while traveling across different parts of the United States. The lyrics highlight specific locations such as LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), the hills of Texas, the coast of a western bay, and the Rio Grande. The singer reflects upon their journey, expressing a sense of detachment and emotional distance from someone they were once close to. They mention cleansing themselves and wiping their memory, indicating a desire to move on and let go of the past. Despite the beautiful and diverse scenery they have encountered, they acknowledge that these experiences cannot replace the person they have lost. The chorus emphasizes that the person they are addressing will never hear them express missing them or receive a postcard from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The singer acknowledges that life moves on, and even though their head may be clouded with thoughts and emotions, it is best for the other person to move on as well. The final verse suggests that the person's love was built on physicality and external attributes, symbolized by "skin and bone." It implies that the connection was shallow and not meant to last. Despite this, the singer acknowledges that they will not lie and claim that life is not the same without the other person. Their journey has shown them that life goes on, and they are ready to embrace new experiences. Overall, "Golden State" conveys a sense of independence, acceptance, and the idea of letting go of a past relationship while appreciating the beauty of the places they have visited along the way.
