Meaning of "King City" by Swim Deep

The lyrics of "King City" by Swim Deep explore themes of identity, desire for change, and contentment. The opening lines, "I wanna be everything that I'm not, I wanna be rich, I wanna show off," highlight a dissatisfaction with the present state and a longing for something different. The protagonist sees themselves as a "desperado with a sour twist," suggesting a rebellious nature. However, they believe that eventually, things will turn out well ("It'll all come sweet on your lips").

The chorus introduces the line "I'm in love, so old," which could indicate that the protagonist is in a long-standing relationship but is questioning their romantic situation. They dismiss the idea of traditional romance, stating, "Fuck your romance, I wanna pretend that Jenny Lee Lindberg is my girlfriend." This statement alludes to a desire for an alternative reality or fantasy, where they can be with someone they idolize.

The repeated line "With the sun on my back, it's a nice day, I will never choose any other way" suggests a sense of contentment with the present moment. Despite the longing for change and desire for something different, the protagonist accepts their current circumstances. The sun serves as a metaphor for happiness and warmth, symbolizing their satisfaction with the choices they have made and the path they are on.

The verses touch on the need for connection and the desire to be accepted by friends. The line "I need to come up to see my friends, I need to come down to feel insane" hints at the protagonist seeking solace in the company of their friends but also feeling a sense of escapism from reality. They acknowledge that they are not cool at the moment but attribute it to being under the influence ("I was high as a fool, I'm out of sight").

Overall, "King City" delves into themes of longing for change, the allure of fantasy, contentment, and the importance of accepting oneself and the choices made. It explores the complexities of identity and the desire to be someone else while recognizing the value in embracing one's current circumstances.