The lyrics describe a desolate scene at an abandoned airport, where the narrator is left behind as their lover soars away. The narrator then finds themselves hiding in the weeds in an orange grove, feeling a sense of isolation and connection with the damned.

Meaning of "Monterey" by Tim Buckley

The lyrics of "Monterey" by Tim Buckley paint a vivid picture of loneliness and abandonment. The imagery of the dead airport, snail clouds, and howling in the throat evoke a sense of desolation and loss. The narrator's lover leaving without them represents a feeling of rejection and heartache, while the narrator's retreat to the orange grove symbolizes a sense of hiding and seeking solace in nature. The reference to running with the damned and being taught to laugh by them suggests a deeper exploration of finding kinship in those who are also suffering, finding humor or coping mechanisms in the face of adversity. Overall, the lyrics capture a raw and emotional moment of longing, isolation, and finding unexpected connections in the midst of despair.