Devin Owen
MSMU Class of 2026

(4/2024) What feeling does this song invoke in you?

Chat GPT’s Response

The song "You’re Gonna Go Far" by Noah Kahan seems to resonate with themes of departure, change, and the passage of time, evoking a mix of emotions ranging from nostalgia to acceptance. As I delve into the lyrics, I can't help but feel a sense of bittersweet reflection intertwined with a tinge of melancholy.

The opening lines set the stage for a journey, both literal and metaphorical. The mention of praying for a red light, usually an inconvenience, speaks to the desire to delay the inevitable, to prolong a moment before facing a destination that looms like a deadline. This sense of urgency and impending departure sets a somber tone, tinged with resignation.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the changing landscape around them. They observe the passing of time, the encroachment of youth, and the shifting dynamics of their surroundings. The imagery of college kids correcting graffiti and the weariness of driving after nightfall paints a picture of a world evolving beyond recognition, leaving the narrator feeling out of place.

Yet amidst the uncertainty and upheaval, there's a glimmer of hope, a recognition that life goes on despite farewells and separations. The chorus speaks of acceptance and resilience, acknowledging that while one may be leaving, life for those left behind will continue, albeit altered by the absence.

The repeated refrain of "we ain't angry at you, love" suggests a sense of understanding and forgiveness, even amidst the pain of departure. It's a poignant reminder that love transcends distance and time, and that parting doesn't diminish the bond shared between individuals.

The song's bridge delves into themes of regret and missed opportunities, acknowledging the complexities of human relationships. The narrator grapples with the realization that they may have contributed to the departure of a loved one, haunted by the knowledge that they shut them down when they expressed a desire to make a difference.

Yet despite the weight of these regrets, there's a sense of resilience and determination to carry on. The closing lines of the song offer a message of encouragement, urging the departing individual to embrace the journey ahead and reassuring them that they will always be welcomed back with open arms.

Overall, the song evokes a complex array of emotions, from nostalgia and longing to acceptance and hope. It's a poignant meditation on the inevitability of change and the enduring nature of love, leaving the listener with a sense of introspection and a reminder to cherish the connections that make life meaningful.

Devin’s Response

The song "You’re Gonna Go Far" by Noah Kahan is one that touches a deep part of my heart in the absolute best way possible. For me, it has served as a reminder that the world will still go on if I leave home and focus on what is best for me rather than what is best for everyone else around me. The chorus of this song has the ability to either make me cry on my drive home from work or feel uplifted and relieved. It starts with the following: "So, pack up your car, put a hand on your heart. Say whatever you feel, be wherever you are. We ain't angry at you, love. You're the greatest thing we've lost," it feels as though the song is speaking specifically to me with these lines. Growing up, I was stuck in the middle of my parents fighting, divorce, and four yearlong custody battle—and in-between all of this there were quite a bit of things that went unsaid by me to them. It was hard, and it was a rough experience; I had to grow up much quicker than the other kids my age, and I was faced with challenges from both of my parents that put me in some very uncomfortable situations. When choosing where to go to college, I took into consideration the fact that it was close enough to home that I could go back on occasion, yet far away enough that I couldn’t go back at every beck and call of my family needing a mediator. These lyrics served as a reminder that even though I left home, that doesn’t mean I left my family behind completely—they still love me, and me leaving provides both sides with opportunity to grow and thrive. The next part of the chorus goes: "The birds will still sing, your folks will still fight. The boards will still creak, the leaves will still die. We ain't angry at you, love. We'll be waiting for you, love." I always found it comforting to hear that life will go on if I choose to leave. I always worry about my family—my siblings the most—because they are my lifeline, and it was really hard leaving them. Hearing someone else speak on the experience of leaving home like this is both comforting and relieving—I’m not left feeling as guilty as I once was. I have often been told that I don’t see my own worth and that I believe in myself much less than I should, so when hearing the lyric "you’re the greatest thing we’ve lost," it makes me feel valued and seen as a person worthy of love and good things.

Overall, this song invoked many feelings in me because it spoke to me in a way that touched my soul. It allowed me to take the feelings of guilt that I held on to so tightly and let them loose—which, in turn, helped me to let myself loose too.