Meaning of "Arguing With Ghosts" by Gretchen Peters

The song "Arguing With Ghosts" delves into the themes of nostalgia, aging, and reevaluating one's life choices. The narrator feels disoriented and lost in their hometown, symbolized by the tearing down of the drive-in where they likely have childhood memories. The lyrics also touch upon the struggle of recognizing oneself in the mirror as time passes, revealing the internal conflict of holding onto the past while trying to move forward. The mention of a picture on the wall symbolizes a static moment in time, contrasting with the narrator's realization that they no longer relate to their younger self. The repetition of the chorus highlights the ongoing internal battle with memories of the past, represented as ghosts that are constantly haunting the narrator. The reference to lighting one cigarette a day can be seen as a ritualistic act of coping with the passage of time and the weight of nostalgia. Overall, the song poignantly captures the complex emotions of grappling with one's identity, memories, and the inevitable changes brought on by time.