Meaning of "Get Away" by George Ezra

In "Get Away," George Ezra explores the theme of anxiety and the desire for freedom. The lyrics depict a protagonist who is yearning for a carefree life and is desperate to escape his current state of anxiety. The song opens with the protagonist dreaming of a black tow car, symbolizing his desire for a quick getaway and a new start. He's screaming, "Move over," implying his frustration and impatience with his current circumstances. The sugar canes represent an idyllic and tropical location, a place of solace the protagonist imagines himself flying through. This imagery reinforces the idea that he longs to escape and find freedom.

Ezra emphasizes the universality of dreams, stating that any boy can dream, dream of anything, just like the listener. This suggests that everyone has the capability to envision a better life and seek fulfillment. However, the protagonist's dreams are juxtaposed with his reality. He acknowledges that it has never been this way before, indicating that he has never previously experienced such overwhelming anxiety. The phrase "shut down by anxiety" suggests that his anxiety hinders him from living the life he desires, trapping him in a state of fear and stress.

The urgency to escape is accentuated with the repetition of the line "You better get away, boy." This phrase serves as a reminder to the protagonist that he must find a way to break free from his anxious state. The imagery of running down a mountain side and being a leader of a big brass band represent the protagonist's desire for adventure and excitement. These imaginative scenarios help him cope with his anxiety and provide temporary relief from his current reality.

The lyrics end with a powerful statement - "Like a lightning bolt, get away." Here, the lightning bolt serves as a symbol of sudden energy and action. The protagonist is determined to break free from his anxiety and create a new path for himself. The repeated plea to "get away" reinforces the idea that escaping from anxiety is essential for his well-being.

Overall, "Get Away" explores the universal desire to escape from anxiety and seek freedom and fulfillment. Through vivid imagery and a sense of urgency, George Ezra highlights the importance of finding ways to break free from anxiety and pursue one's dreams.