Meaning of "How I Go" by Yellowcard

The lyrics of "How I Go" by Yellowcard explore themes of personal growth, reflection, and the passing down of wisdom from one generation to the next. The narrator looks back on their life and the stories they could tell, suggesting that they have experienced a diverse range of experiences and encounters. They mention a "friend the giant and traveling sales," possibly alluding to the adventures and lessons learned from different people they have encountered in their life.

The narrator also speaks of a life-changing encounter with a girl who had a profound impact on them, freezing them in the moment and subsequently changing their perspective. This moment becomes a pivotal point in their life, highlighting the power that a single individual can have in influencing and shaping another's journey.

Amidst these reflections, the narrator expresses a sense of dissatisfaction, as they cry out that their current circumstances are not how they anticipated their life to go. This could suggest a feeling of unfulfilled expectations or a desire for more meaningful experiences. The repeated line "I'm drying out, crying out, this isn't how I go" conveys a deep longing for something more, a release from the emotional dryness they are experiencing.

The lyrics take a turn when the narrator addresses their son, acknowledging their imperfections and reassuring them that their stories are still valuable and impactful. They emphasize that every story they have told is a part of them, indicating that their experiences and wisdom have shaped their identity. The mention of the son keeping the air in their lungs and being a source of inspiration symbolizes the interconnectedness of their lives and the passing down of knowledge and guidance from one generation to the next.

In the end, with the mention of the narrator leaving their son but acknowledging that he has much more to accomplish, there is a sense of hope and encouragement for the son to continue their own journey, drawing inspiration from the stories shared by their parent.