Meaning of "Wild Side (Oh the Place You'll Go)" by Kevin Morby

The lyrics of "Wild Side (Oh the Place You'll Go)" convey a sense of restlessness and the desire for liberation. The protagonist is drawn to the wild side, where they can feel a childlike pride and a sense of freedom. However, this desire for freedom clashes with the fear of commitment and settling down, causing the protagonist to struggle with their relationships. They feel as though they are up too high and cannot meet the expectations of their partner. The line "Please turn away now if I come asking for more" suggests a pattern of leaving and returning, indicating that the protagonist repeatedly struggles with commitment.

The song also explores the theme of feeling trapped and longing for something more. The line "This place is a prison, oh a lifetime or two" expresses the protagonist's dissatisfaction with their current environment, viewing it as a confining space. Despite the desire for freedom, there is also a yearning for a hand to hold onto, symbolizing a longing for connection and intimacy. The line "And oh the hand that you hold does not belong to you" implies a sense of detachment in relationships, where the protagonist feels as though they are unable to truly connect with others.

Overall, "Wild Side (Oh the Place You'll Go)" examines the struggle between the desire for freedom and adventure, and the fear of commitment and settling down. It portrays a protagonist who constantly longs for the wild side but also experiences a sense of loneliness and dissatisfaction. The song highlights the inherent tension between the desire for independence and the need for connection and intimacy, ultimately leaving the listener with a sense of longing and contemplation.