"Pittsburgh" by Mason Jennings is a song that delves into themes of adolescence, loss, and emotional struggles. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's experiences growing up in Pittsburgh, dealing with personal challenges and seeking solace in different places and activities. The song starts by describing the narrator's relationship with their mother and her boyfriend. They would give the narrator money to stay out late, as they wanted privacy. This sets the scene for the narrator's exploration of their surroundings. The lyrics mention walking through the woods to an old graveyard, rolling their own tops (possibly referring to rolling cigarettes), and having introspective thoughts. The line "Are we high enough to clear these trees?" suggests a desire to escape and transcend the difficulties they are facing. The song then takes a darker turn as it recounts the tragic death of Dave's girlfriend due to a drug overdose. The narrator goes to see Dave, who is grieving and confused. A funeral is held for her, during which the preacher says she is now with the Lord. This event highlights the struggle with mortality and the different ways people cope with loss. The next verse describes the narrator's sense of alienation from conventional spaces like grocery stores, high school halls, and shopping malls. They mention how their heart feels free when they hear a particular sound and put the pedal down, suggesting a need for release and escape from their troubles. The song then shifts to the narrator's experience in a hospital, specifically on the suicide wing. They describe the strict rules and restrictions, along with the unsettling environment. The line "When I opened my eyes I was strapped to the bed, there was a needle in my arm, part of me was gone" implies a sense of disorientation and vulnerability. The song concludes with a reference to playing basketball outside in their hospital gear. The ball just bounces until it stops, possibly symbolizing the temporary distraction and emptiness the narrator feels in this environment. Overall, "Pittsburgh" explores themes of youth, loss, loneliness, and the struggle to find meaning amidst personal difficulties. Pittsburgh serves as a backdrop for the narrator's experiences and the emotions tied to their coming of age.
