Meaning of "Go Outside" by Cults

"Go Outside" by Cults is a song that reflects the tension between two individuals with different perspectives on life. The lyrics depict one person who longs to venture outside and embrace the world, while the other person prefers to retreat indoors and avoid engaging with reality. The speaker expresses a deep yearning to go out and "stop to see your day," emphasizing the desire to witness and experience what life has to offer. They believe that being outside, in the light of day, will make their life brighter and more fulfilling.

On the other hand, the second individual, represented by the repeated phrase "You really want to hole up," exemplifies a desire for isolation and escape. This person prefers to "stay inside and sleep the light away," suggesting a voracious need to hide from the brightness and challenges of the outside world. While the speaker acknowledges that they have been in this person's position before and understand the appeal of withdrawing from society, they ultimately reject this mindset.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the speaker's confidence and knowledge of what is good, stemming from their past experiences. They recognize that there is something valuable in the unknown, something that the night cannot reveal. The nighttime represents a metaphorical darkness, symbolizing fear, stagnation, and missed opportunities. In contrast, going outside and embracing life is portrayed as an essential aspect of personal growth and self-discovery.

The song's pre-chorus and concluding verse express frustration with the other person's resistance to leaving their comfort zone. The speaker implores them to wake up and start living their life, suggesting that their presence is hindering the speaker from fully experiencing and enjoying their own existence. The line "you're just in my way" conveys the speaker's determination to prioritize their own desires and ambitions over accommodating someone who refuses to engage with the world.

In essence, "Go Outside" encapsulates the struggle between a yearning for adventure, growth, and new experiences, and the allure of staying sheltered and avoiding the challenges outside. Ultimately, the song advocates for stepping out of one's comfort zone, pursuing a life filled with memories and meaningful moments, and not allowing others' insecurities and reservations to hinder personal fulfillment.