Meaning of "Leaving" by Hootie & The Blowfish

The lyrics of "Leaving" by Hootie & The Blowfish convey a profound sense of loss and longing for a past love or relationship. The speaker reflects on moments that evoke memories of leaving, such as a warm June night, being surrounded by strangers yet feeling a connection to them, and being near the ocean in a vulnerable state with a loved one. These recollections trigger a deep emotional response, symbolizing the pain of separation and the desire to go back to a time when things were different. The vivid imagery of shooting stars and being "eight miles high" implies a sense of intoxication and escapism, further highlighting the theme of longing and reminiscence. Overall, the song captures the bittersweet essence of reminiscing about a past love while acknowledging the inevitability of moving forward.