Meaning of "We Won't Go" by This Way To The Egress

The lyrics of "We Won't Go" by This Way To The Egress convey a sense of reckless abandon and the embrace of temporary pleasure. The narrator stumbles upon a small sum of money and chooses to spend it on whiskey, indulging in the thrill of immediate gratification. The subsequent intoxication and face-down position in the gutter serve as a metaphor for the consequences of impulsive decisions and the unpredictable nature of life.

The protagonist decides to flee town, packing their suitcase not with practical necessities, but with spirits and a scarf. This symbolic choice suggests a desire to hold onto the mood-altering effects of alcohol and the comfort of an article of clothing that can blind the wearer, perhaps hinting at their need to escape from reality. This escape into a saloon and the subsequent game of blind man's bluff evoke a sense of playing with danger and daring fate.

The lyrics also contemplate the scars and lessons learned from past experiences. The narrative voice refers to a lineage of people who have influenced their upbringing, implying that their personal history is full of scars both literal and metaphorical. Despite these wounds, the narrator acknowledges the carving out of respect with a "lucky knife," indicating a determination to persevere and find success through their own means.

However, the lyrics ultimately emphasize the transient nature of life's pleasures. The narrator describes the way that life sneaks up on individuals, leaving visible marks and signs of aging but also hidden struggles and uncertainty. The mention of the mirror not revealing these internal battles until death portrays the fleetingness of youth and the illusion of immortality. It serves as a reminder to live in the present moment and make the most of it before mortality catches up.

The chorus of the song repeatedly asserts the refusal to give up or leave, instead choosing to revel in the night and the freedom that intoxication brings. It represents a rejection of societal expectations and responsibilities, emphasizing the desire to live life on one's own terms and embrace the unknown future. The lyrics suggest that through indulgence and a disregard for consequences, the narrator can momentarily escape from reality and create their own world of enjoyment.