The speaker expresses difficulty in leaving Carey, a place they admire despite not feeling at home there. They long for cleanliness and luxury, yet find solace in the imperfections of Carey. The lyrics describe a night at the Mermaid Cafe, celebrating with friends and reflecting on the past, ultimately admitting a fondness for Carey despite the desire to leave.

Meaning of "Carey" by Sara Gazarek

"Carey" by Sara Gazarek seems to capture the bittersweet feeling of conflicting desires and the push-pull of familiarity and adventure. The speaker grapples with the appeal of luxury and cleanliness juxtaposed with the imperfect charm of Carey, a place they are fond of. Through the imagery of the Mermaid Cafe and the desire for lush travels to Amsterdam and Rome, the lyrics speak to the longing for both comfort and excitement. The character of Carey could represent a person, a place, or even an aspect of oneself that is hard to leave behind despite the allure of new experiences. Overall, the song delves into the complexity of human emotions and the struggle between nostalgia and the unknown.