Meaning of "Son of a Highway Daughter" by Ruston Kelly

The lyrics of "Son of a Highway Daughter" paint a picture of a man grappling with his troubled past and trying to find his place in the world. The references to his father's mistakes and the theme of being born into a life of chaos and instability signify the weight of generational trauma that he carries. His journey through various cities and relationships reveals a constant search for meaning and belonging, as well as a tendency to self-destructive behavior as a coping mechanism. Despite searching for solace in different places, such as Dublin and California, he finds himself haunted by his own demons and unable to escape the pull of his past. The repeated refrain of "that town kept calling me" shows that no matter where he goes, he cannot escape the memories and pain that follow him. Overall, the lyrics explore themes of identity, struggle, and the cyclical nature of trauma.