Meaning of "Leaving" by Josh Ritter

The lyrics of "Leaving" by Josh Ritter paint a picture of someone feeling adrift and disconnected from their surroundings. The imagery of creating city lights out of bourbon and stars suggests a sense of self-reliance and making do with what is available, even in a chaotic environment. The repetition of the word "leaving" highlights a sense of constant departure and change, with the narrator feeling lost and uncertain of their next steps. The reference to things floating away and nothing staying suggests a lack of permanence and stability in the narrator's life. The acknowledgment of past mistakes and the sense of something missing in the narrator's chest adds a layer of emotional complexity to the lyrics. Overall, the song captures a feeling of transition, searching, and longing for something that seems just out of reach.