Meaning of "Backyard" by Guster

The lyrics of "Backyard" by Guster convey a sense of loss and neglect, using the metaphor of a backyard that has become overgrown and choked by weeds. The imagery of someone always being present in the garden, digging underneath where roots burrow, suggests a deep connection to a place or person. However, as time passes and neglect sets in, the once vibrant space transforms into a desolate area where nothing is left except remnants of what once was. The repetitive lines about the grass being overgrown and weeds choking out the sun reflect the suffocating nature of neglect and the gradual decay of something that was once alive and thriving. The final question posed, "Why do you still come home anymore when you don't care?" speaks to the sense of detachment and indifference that can arise in relationships or environments that have been abandoned or neglected. Overall, the song speaks to the emotional toll of neglect, loss, and the struggle to hold onto something that is slipping away.