Meaning of "San Luis" by Gregory Alan Isakov

The lyrics of "San Luis" by Gregory Alan Isakov convey a sense of longing and nostalgia for a past relationship. The mention of weightlessness and being somewhere "in-between" suggests a feeling of being detached from reality, possibly indicating that the relationship existed in a dream-like state. The singer describes themselves and their partner as ghosts of each other, suggesting they are no longer present in their lives but still linger as memories. The bird's-eye view of San Luis represents a detached perspective, as if looking back on the relationship from a distance.

The mention of highway boys sleeping in with dirty mouths and broken strings paints a picture of a transient lifestyle, possibly referring to the singer's own experiences or the environment they occupy. Their eyes shining like the sea implies a sense of wonder and allure, possibly representing the charismatic nature of the queen of San Luis. The line "cutting through the avenues, I'd always find my way to you" speaks to the singer's determination and persistence in trying to reconnect with their partner.

The reference to California calling the queen with her golden hair and magazine suggests the allure of the California dream, where ambition and beauty are idolized. The line "were you somewhere in-between? Fast asleep, a flying dream" implies that the queen of San Luis may have been caught up in this dream, perhaps losing touch with the reality of the relationship.

Overall, the lyrics of "San Luis" capture the bittersweet essence of a past relationship. The imagery and metaphorical language used evoke a sense of longing, nostalgia, and a yearning for connection. The song highlights the fleeting nature of relationships and the desire to hold onto the memory of someone who is no longer present.