The Meaning Behind The Song: Lost Coastlines by Okkervil River

This song is a duet between Will Sheff and Jonathan Meiburg about the difficulties of keeping the band together. It was written as a going-away song of sorts for Meiburg, who was then leaving the band to focus solely on his project, ‘Shearwater’. ‘Shearwater’ was originally a side project from members of ‘Okkervil River’, with Sheff eventually stopping his participation to focus solely on Okkervil River.

As a fan of Okkervil River, ‘Lost Coastlines’ has always held a special place in my heart. The lyrics perfectly capture the bittersweet feeling of embarking on a new journey while leaving behind familiar faces and places. It speaks to the fear of uncertainty and the yearning for something more, even if it means sacrificing what we already have.

The line “Leaving behind all the faces that I might replace” resonates deeply with me. It reminds me of moments in my own life where I’ve had to make difficult choices and move forward, leaving behind people who were once important to me. It’s a reminder that growth and progress often come with a price.

‘Lost Coastlines’ can also be interpreted as a metaphor for life itself. The song’s exploration of sailing into the unknown, navigating uncharted waters, and facing the challenges of staying on course mirrors the ups and downs we all experience on our own personal journeys.

The lyrics paint a picture of uncertainty and the realization that sometimes the maps we follow in life do not accurately depict the realities we encounter. We often find ourselves in uncharted territory, forced to navigate through the unexpected twists and turns without a clear path ahead.

The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “la la la la la la,” serves as a cathartic release, a way of letting go and embracing the unknown. It’s a reminder that sometimes we just have to go with the flow and trust that everything will work out in the end.

‘Lost Coastlines’ is a poignant and introspective song that captures the essence of embarking on new journeys, the challenges of staying together as a band, and the metaphorical struggles we face in life. It’s a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and provide a sense of understanding and connection.

For me, this song will always hold a special place in my heart, serving as a reminder to embrace the unknown and have faith in the journey ahead.