Meaning of "Hop a Plane" by Tegan And Sara

The meaning behind "Hop a Plane" revolves around the theme of detachment and moving on from a past relationship. The narrator recounts taking a train back to where they came from, seeking solace and distance from the heartbreak they endured. They describe their heart as asleep, suffocating from the weight of memories. The narrator longs to hear confirmation that the person they were once attached to is no longer theirs, hoping for the finality of closure. The idea of moving east and wanting to be far away reinforces the desire to create physical distance, wanting to escape not only the sight of the person but also their presence in their thoughts. The line "it's in my head and I regret offering" suggests that the narrator offered themselves to this person emotionally, regretting the vulnerability and attachment that resulted. The repetition of "All I need to hear is that you're not mine, you're not mine" and "All I want to hear is that you're not mine, you're not mine" emphasizes the narrator's deep longing for detachment and the emotional freedom that comes with it. The second half of the song reflects on the past, acknowledging that the person had an impact on the narrator's life, but also acknowledging that they need to move forward. The lyrics highlight the transformational power of the relationship, where the person helped and taught the narrator, but now they need to let go and hear that they are no longer tied to their past.