Meaning of "Go West Young Man..." by Greeley Estates

"Go West Young Man..." by Greeley Estates delves into the internal conflict of trying to navigate through the complex expectations of masculinity. The narrator grapples with the idea of masculinity being synonymous with aggression, emotional repression, and detachment, as they question whether emulating these traits is the key to being a man. The lyrics hint at the intergenerational cycle of toxic behavior, where the narrator acknowledges learning negative attributes from someone else, highlighting the impact of upbringing and role models on shaping one's understanding of manhood. The repeated refrain of "Excuse me, gentlemen, what exactly does it mean to be a man?" reflects the narrator's desperation for answers and guidance in a world where societal norms and stereotypes play a significant role in defining masculinity. Ultimately, the song captures the internal struggle of finding one's identity amidst societal pressures and the fear of perpetuating harmful behaviors learned from others.