Meaning of "Gone Like The Water" by Freedy Johnston

The song "Gone Like The Water" captures the emotional turmoil and sense of rootlessness that can accompany leaving home in search of a new beginning. The imagery of the red suitcase, leather coat, and parents' possessions highlights the baggage and familial ties that he carries with him on his journey. The reference to NYC symbolizes both the allure of possibility and the overwhelming nature of the city's anonymity. The lyrics also touch on themes of transition, identity, and longing for connection through the protagonist's actions of drawing a face on a ticket stub and seeking comfort in familiar routines like talking all night and cooking all day. Overall, the song reflects the universal experience of feeling adrift in a new environment while trying to reconcile one's past with an uncertain future.