Meaning of "Florida" by Modest Mouse

The lyrics of "Florida" offer a reflection on the human inclination to romanticize the past and the tendency to overlook the flaws and challenges that were present. The opening lines, "Although we'd often wondered, it was no thing of wonder, the shit that flew from our minds," suggest that the experience being described was not as extraordinary or special as it may have seemed in retrospect. The vivid imagery of "wearing stains of fresh fruit and riding on shoes of horse glue" conveys a sense of absurdity and futility in the pursuit of something better.

The lyrics use the metaphor of a "ridiculous climb" to describe the endeavor, emphasizing the tunnel vision and single-mindedness with which the speaker and their companions pursued their goal. The repetition of the phrase "So why would anyone try?" suggests a questioning of the motivation behind such endeavors. Despite the difficulties and disappointments, there is a recognition that the experience was "always worth it," although this is something the speaker seems to hide from themselves.

The song then shifts to the idea of personal identity and the speaker's sense of self. The line "I wasn't always cargo, I was once kind of my own" suggests a loss of autonomy or individuality in pursuit of this goal. The repetition of "It was always worth it, that's the part I seem to hide" indicates a conflicted emotional state, where the speaker simultaneously acknowledges the value of the experience while also hiding or denying it. The mention of the "busy ant empire" putting up the closing sign adds to the sense of disappointment and abandonment.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that physical distance alone is not enough to escape the past or one's own mindset. The line "Couldn't quite seem to escape myself" suggests that personal growth and change are necessary to truly move forward. The metaphor of standing on "heart's supports" and the fear of having to carry the weight of past experiences underscores the burdensome nature of holding onto the past. The mention of not knowing "exactly what I don't already know" suggests a paradoxical feeling of wanting to change while also fearing the unknown.

The overall meaning of "Florida" lies in its exploration of dissatisfaction, the human tendency to romanticize the past, and the realization that personal growth and change are necessary to move on and find true fulfillment.