Meaning of "Other Side" by Josh Ritter

"Other Side" by Josh Ritter delves into various themes such as nostalgia and longing for escape. The reference to the west being a story made up to erase the past suggests a longing for a fresh start or a new beginning. The imagery of Conestoga wagons leaving visible tracks and the mention of the Northwest passage and Great Divide allude to the search for something beyond the known, a quest for the other side. The repeated references to waiting for whiskey and ashtrays symbolize a desire for something to lead the speaker away from their current situation, indicating a yearning for change or excitement. The lyrics about watching stars in the night sky and feeling stuck in the Midwest evoke a sense of being trapped or confined, yet still searching for something more. Overall, the song explores themes of restlessness, escapism, and the human tendency to seek out new horizons despite feeling trapped in familiar surroundings.