Meaning of "I Miss New Wave" by Matthew Good Band

"I Miss New Wave" by Matthew Good Band delves into the speaker's yearning for the past, specifically the new wave era, while also exploring feelings of longing, regret, and missed connections. The references to flying to Hawaii and driving to L.A. to engage in casual encounters in luxurious settings seem to juxtapose the emptiness and shallow nature of these experiences with the depth and authenticity of the new wave music and films the speaker misses. The repetition of "When the world is screaming, I miss new wave" could symbolize a desire to escape from the chaos and noise of the present world into the comfort of nostalgia. The final verse, with the speaker talking about dying in an unexpected place and missing someone walking away, highlights the theme of missed opportunities and the regret that comes with it. Overall, the song captures a sense of longing for the past, for genuine connections, and for a lost sense of authenticity in a world filled with superficiality.