Meaning of "Wilder" by Ciaran Lavery

"Wilder" delves into the themes of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time. The singer longs for simplicity and love, symbolized by his little place by the coast and his own garden. However, he is haunted by past mistakes and the fear of letting go of his baggage. The mention of complex weight on his words and stitches in his coat represent the burden of his past experiences weighing him down. The lines about summers wasted worrying instead of being carefree indicate a sense of regret for lost time. Despite these regrets, there is still hope for the future, as reflected in the mention of the singer imagining himself as a forgiving father. The song encapsulates a bittersweet reflection on life, growth, and the struggle to overcome the weight of the past to reach a place of peace and acceptance.