The narrator describes their surroundings in Bolivia, cutting a switch from tropical wood, listening to carnival sounds from afar, feeling unsettled by monkeys, and noting wildcats in their room. They observe animal noises in the brush and anticipate the return of someone important to them.

Meaning of "Going To Bolivia" by The Mountain Goats

The lyrics of "Going To Bolivia" by The Mountain Goats describe a sense of displacement and unease in a foreign land, possibly reflecting broader themes of disconnection and the search for belonging. The act of cutting a switch from tropical wood and observing unfamiliar wildlife symbolizes a desire to control or make sense of the unfamiliar, while the distant carnival sounds hint at a longing for home or comfort. The presence of wildcats in the narrator's room and the anticipation of a loved one's return evoke feelings of vulnerability and reliance on familiar connections in the face of the unknown. Overall, the lyrics explore themes of isolation, yearning, and the complexities of adapting to unfamiliar environments.