Julia Holter's song "In The Green Wild" explores themes of nature, self-discovery, and the search for meaning. The lyrics portray a sense of wanderlust and the protagonist's longing to escape the confines of society, as represented by the "city shoes" that lead them to green fertile valleys. The song begins with the realization that the protagonist has always felt different, unable to conform to societal norms. The mention of someone writing on a leaf and letting it fall onto their feet symbolizes the arrival of a message or revelation that they struggle to comprehend. The protagonist acknowledges their inability to hear and understand, as the wind slows down and the world around them becomes still. However, they find solace and understanding in the presence of a tree. The tree's calmness and simplicity momentarily make sense to them, represented by the repetition of "la la." However, the language of the woman and the tree, "wa wa," remains strange and incomprehensible. The protagonist questions whether their boredom prevents them from understanding, suggesting that they are disengaged or disconnected from mainstream society. They then declare that they are done with societal constraints and assert their desire to go off into the wild, a metaphorical representation of the search for personal freedom and individuality. In the green wild, the protagonist feels liberated from their physical limitations as their hands, toes, and shoulders disappear. However, the shoes they have worn, symbolizing the remnants of societal influence, continue to guide them towards the sea. The act of walking is described as having a unique flavor and a humorous quality, even attributing the ability to walk to a flower. The flower, unlike the protagonist, walks naturally without searching or longing. Ultimately, the protagonist is seeking understanding and reassurance from the tree, which tells them that a tree is simply a tree, emphasizing the beauty and simplicity of nature. The song implies that by embracing the untamed and natural aspects of life, one can find a sense of meaning and purpose.
