Meaning of "Goodbye, Barcelona" by Pokey LaFarge

The lyrics of "Goodbye, Barcelona" by Pokey LaFarge delve into themes of love, longing, and nostalgia. The singer reminisces about a past love, vividly remembering moments shared in Barcelona, such as drinking rioja wine and dancing the sardana. The mention of the Sagrada Familia growing taller each year symbolizes the enduring nature of the singer's love for the person they are leaving behind. The decision to go to the far north, despite not wanting to go there, reflects a sense of duty or responsibility pulling the singer away from their heart's desire. The imagery of the heart as a singing bird while the loved one is gone conveys the enduring pain of separation and the hope of reunion in the future. Overall, the song captures the emotional complexity of leaving behind a place and a person who hold special memories and the conflicting feelings of looking forward to the future while longing for the past.