Meaning of "High Hopes" by The Milk Carton Kids

The lyrics of "High Hopes" by The Milk Carton Kids delve into themes of internal conflict, resilience, and maintaining optimism in the face of adversity. The reference to shipping out and the war being fought within oneself suggests a personal struggle or emotional battle that the narrator is facing. Despite the apparent chaos and the noise of forsaken voices, the narrator holds on to high hopes, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and positivity in the midst of challenging circumstances. The mention of settling up one's bill and the green-backed skeleton symbolize burdens and struggles that one carries, yet the narrator still finds a sense of hope and strength to endure. The notion of looking into someone's eyes but not recognizing their fears speaks to the idea of inner turmoil and facing one's own demons. Overall, the song conveys a message of resilience, inner strength, and finding hope even in the darkest of times.