Meaning of "Two Cold Nights in Buffalo" by Courtney Marie Andrews

"Two Cold Nights in Buffalo" by Courtney Marie Andrews delves into the themes of urban decay, economic decline, and the loss of community in the city of Buffalo. The singer uses the setting of being stranded on a cold night as a metaphor for the larger decay and abandonment of the city itself. References to the disappearance of mom-and-pop shops, recreation centers, and neighborhood camaraderie speak to the broader decline of American industrial towns. The lyrics mourn the loss of history and tradition, asking "What happened to preserving this town's history?" The repeated desire to "wash this rust belt new" hints at a sense of renewal or regeneration, but the underlying tone remains one of mourning and reflection on what has been lost.