Meaning of "The Badlands" by Conner Youngblood

The lyrics of "The Badlands" by Conner Youngblood portray a sense of escapism and finding peace in the midst of chaos. The speaker's decision to turn off the news and go fishing suggests a desire to disconnect from the outside world and its troubles. The contrast between the black pine trees and the northern pike swimming in the badlands could symbolize the juxtaposition of darkness and light, of finding beauty and life in the barrenness. This could be a metaphor for finding hope and resilience in difficult times. The act of fishing could also represent a sense of control and agency in a situation where news and events feel overwhelming and out of one's hands. Overall, the lyrics convey a message of seeking refuge and serenity in nature as a way to cope with adversity and uncertainty.