Stick Season

The overall theme of the song revolves around the emotional turmoil that follows a breakup. Kahan reflects on how memories and feelings can weigh heavily, even in the simplest moments. He explores the struggle of moving on, feeling stuck in a place filled with reminders of a lost love. The mention of Vermont and the “season of the sticks” adds a sense of isolation and bleakness, enhancing the overall vibe of longing and nostalgia.

Verse 1

As you promised me that I was more than all the miles combined
You must have had yourself a change of heart
Like halfway through the drive
'Cause your voice trailed off exactly as you passed my exit sign

In this verse, Kahan starts with a sense of betrayal. The promise of love feels broken as the other person decides to leave him behind. The imagery of the exit sign symbolizes a point of no return in their relationship, highlighting the abrupt shift from hope to heartbreak. There's a sense of confusion and hurt as he reflects on how quickly things changed.

Kept on driving straight and left our future to the right
Now I am stuck between my anger
And the blame that I can't face
And memories are something
Even smoking weed does not replace

Here, he shares the internal conflict he faces. He feels trapped between anger and self-blame, unable to confront his feelings fully. The mention of memories being irreplaceable shows how deeply he still feels about the relationship, despite trying to escape through distractions like smoking. This paints a vivid picture of his emotional struggle and the weight of the memories he carries.

Chorus

And I am terrified of weather 'cause I see you when it rains
Doc told me to travel, but there's COVID on the planes

In the chorus, Kahan reveals how the weather triggers memories of his ex, especially rain, which often symbolizes sadness. The line about being advised to travel but being held back by COVID adds a layer of frustration and helplessness. It emphasizes how external factors can amplify his feelings of being stuck, both physically and emotionally.

And I love Vermont, but it's the season of the sticks and I
Saw your mom she forgot that I existed and
It's half my fault, but I just like to play the victim
I'll drink alcohol 'til my friends come home for Christmas

This part of the chorus shows his love for Vermont, but it’s mixed with a sense of bitterness because of the memories tied to it. The mention of seeing his ex’s mom and being forgotten hits hard, suggesting a loss of connection not just with his ex, but with their life together. He acknowledges his role in the situation but feels more comfortable taking on the victim role, which many can relate to when dealing with heartbreak. The drinking to cope is a common escape, especially as he awaits the return of friends.

And I'll dream each night of some version of you
That I might not have, but I did not lose
Now you're tire tracks and one pair of shoes
And I'm split in half, but that'll have to do, ooh, ooh

Kahan expresses how he dreams of an alternate reality with his ex. He might not have the relationship now, but it doesn’t feel completely lost to him. The imagery of “tire tracks and one pair of shoes” symbolizes departure and the imprint his ex left on his life. Feeling “split in half” captures the depth of his emotional pain, yet he’s resigned to the idea that he’ll just have to manage with this hurt.

Verse 2

So I thought that if I piled something good on all my bad
That I could cancel out the darkness I inherited from dad

In this verse, he reflects on trying to balance his pain with positive experiences. It shows the desire to overcome the negativity that seems to run in his family. The mention of his dad adds a personal touch, hinting at a deeper struggle with inherited emotions and expectations.

No, I am no longer funny 'cause I miss the way you laugh
Once called me forever now you still can't call me back

Kahan reveals how the breakup has impacted his sense of self. He feels like he’s lost a part of his identity, especially the joy he used to bring to others. The line about being called “forever” contrasts sharply with the current silence, emphasizing the finality of the relationship and the loneliness that follows.

Chorus

*And I love Vermont, but it's the season of the sticks and I / Saw your mom she forgot that I existed and / It's half my fault, but I just like to play