Meaning of "Vacation" by Hippo Campus

The lyrics of "Vacation" delve into the concept of finding inner peace and escape from the turmoil of everyday life. The narrator describes their thoughts as a battlefield, suggesting internal conflicts and a sense of dissonance. They resort to using hallucinogens as a means to find serenity and escape into a world of oak and cedar, symbolizing nature's tranquility. However, despite the hope that peace will find them, the narrator struggles to see the purpose of searching for it when the walls beside them are closing in.

The song also portrays a sense of disillusionment and disappointment. The "fickle roads" that fade into paths of sage and signs delivered can be interpreted as the journey towards finding truth and understanding, only to be met with fading hope and decay. The imagery of smoking grass to find facts while hopes wither suggests a desperate attempt to cling to something solid amidst a sea of uncertainty.

The narrator declares their decision to leave and not stay anymore. They express a sense of being worn out and over it, symbolized by taking two steps in and two steps over it. They have had their time in the present tense, indicating a desire to escape the confines of the current reality and find a permanent vacancy, a place of inner tranquil. The mention of friends waiting suggests a sense of obligation and pressure from others, but the narrator ultimately decides to vacate their body and find a new direction, seeking freedom from the expectations and responsibilities they feel.

Overall, "Vacation" conveys themes of seeking peace and escape, disillusionment, and the desire for a fresh start. It explores the complexities of navigating a chaotic and unfamiliar world, expressing a longing for tranquility and the courage to break free from societal expectations.