The song "Vacant Lot" by The Growlers tells the story of a person who is down on their luck and feeling trapped in their current situation. The lyrics describe the protagonist as looking like a sailor without a ship, symbolizing their aimlessness and lack of direction. The line "Same salty song and curled up lips" suggests that the protagonist is stuck in a repetitive cycle of disappointment and frustration. They are in a place that is supposed to be brave, but they are running out of hope and are waiting for something or someone to bring about change. The reference to a "guy, silver-eyed, like a bullet train" implies that the protagonist is hoping for a savior or a quick solution to their problems, but deep down they might not really want it because it would mean confronting the stains of their current situation. The "valley of the mud" represents a metaphorical low point in the protagonist's life. It opens and closes rapidly, making it difficult for them to escape or find their way out. They are forced to lie down and immerse themselves in the mud, symbolizing their feeling of being stuck and overwhelmed. The protagonist scratches on a ticket with chewed up nails, suggesting their desperation and attempts to find a way out. They follow a faded rainbow, which symbolizes their dwindling hopes and dreams. The red lights painting the strip in "neon blood" allude to the dark and dangerous side of their pursuit, perhaps referring to the risks and temptations of gambling or making impulsive choices. Despite their efforts, the protagonist realizes that the help they thought they would receive is no longer available. They have cried wolf too many times and exhausted all their options. Lady Luck, a metaphor for fortune, has abandoned them. They are left in the valley of the mud, unable to rise again. Overall, the song portrays a sense of hopelessness, frustration, and despair. It explores themes of feeling trapped, seeking change, and struggling to find a way out of a difficult situation.
