Meaning of "Ojai" by Ray LaMontagne

The lyrics of "Ojai" by Ray LaMontagne delve into themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The opening lines depict the speaker reflecting on the different roles they have taken on in their life, describing themselves as a savior, a sideman, and a stranger. This suggests a sense of weariness and disillusionment with their various roles and relationships. The mention of being "stung by anger" and "burned by love" adds to this feeling of emotional turmoil and being scarred by past experiences.

The chorus of the song echoes the sentiment of feeling scattered and disconnected. The speaker expresses a desire to communicate with a friend, perhaps seeking solace or a sense of understanding amidst their feelings of confusion. However, they also acknowledge that they don't know where the years have gone and that they feel worse for holding on to the past. There is a sense of resignation as they state that it may be best to let things lie, indicating a willingness to move on and let go.

The reference to Ojai throughout the song adds an element of longing and nostalgia. Ojai is portrayed as a symbolic place, representing a time or a state of being that the speaker is unable to return to. It becomes a symbol for lost happiness, innocence, or a simpler time in the past. The repeated mention of Ojai in the chorus, followed by the admission that the speaker is never going to get back there, emphasizes the theme of the irretrievable past and the acceptance of that fact.