Meaning of "Golden" by Hippo Campus

"Golden" is a song that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The opening lines, "Living for the past cause the future's gone, Praying in the dark that you won't go home," immediately set a nostalgic and somewhat regretful tone. The narrator is stuck in the past, fixated on what went wrong and what they should have done differently. This reflects a common human tendency to dwell on the past and find solace in hindsight. They express the desire to have expressed themselves better, to have set fire to a letter, metaphorically implying a need for closure or a fresh start.

The chorus contains the main question of the song: "Why is it I want to change for you? Why is it I want to see this through?" The narrator is grappling with their own feelings and motivations. They question why they are willing to change themselves and continue with the relationship. This reflects the complexity of emotions and the struggle to understand one's own desires and motivations in a relationship. They also mention being "sick of sleeping longer nights with lesser feelings," hinting at a dissatisfaction with the current state of the relationship. This line suggests that they are yearning for something more, for deeper connections and emotions.

The second verse further explores the conflicting emotions within the narrator. They express feeling better off without the other person and not wanting them to stay, yet also acknowledging that they are drawn to the other person's positive qualities. The line "I'm a sucker for your glowing" suggests an attraction to the person's charisma and positive energy. This juxtaposition exemplifies the contradictory nature of human emotions and relationships.

Overall, "Golden" delves into the universal experience of grappling with one's own emotions and longing for change in a relationship. It highlights the complexity of human connections, the nostalgia that can consume us, and the constant questioning of our own desires. It captures the ambivalence and uncertainty that often accompanies relationships, as well as the desire for growth and a fresh start.