The Meaning Behind The Song: Carlos Song by Noah Kahan

As a Music Technician, I am constantly exploring new songs and discovering the stories behind them. Today, I want to dive into the meaning behind “Carlo’s Song” by Noah Kahan. This heartfelt and poignant track resonates with listeners, and upon exploring the lyrics, it becomes clear why it holds such significance.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics

Let’s start by examining the lyrics of the song:

[Verse 1]Do you remember drinking in the parking lot
By the trailhead?
I see you for a moment, then the morning comes
And it’s wasted
We listen to “Only The Good Die Young”
And we laugh about its statement
We walk in the same direction, but we both got lost
And you raged in my impatience

[Chorus]Did you find what you were looking for?
Some escape from your skin
You know that place you were dreaming of
Where all light comes in
I hope you know I grew my hair out long
And your sister’s just fine
I keep burning my bridges down
Just to keep you alive

[Refrain]Woo-oo-oo
Woo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo
Woo

[Verse 2]Do you remember looking from the fire tower at the sunset?
Jack White, prophetic on my speakers, “We Were Going To Be Friends”
Yeah, I guess I just got busy, only saw you every other weekend
Lord, I just moved to this city, hoping noise drowns out the regret

[Chorus]But did you find what you were looking for?
Some escape from your skin
You know that place you were dreaming of
Where all light comes in
I hope you know I grew my hair out long
And your sister’s just fine
I keep burning my bridges down
Just to keep you alive

[Refrain]Woo-oo-oo
Just to keep you alive
Woo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo
Woo

[Bridge]They tell me grief is just love letting go
They say it like milk has been spilled on the floor
They say they don’t know who I am anymore
Well, I just have never shown anger before

[Chorus]Still haven’t found what I’m looking for
Some escape from my sin
You know that place you’ve been dreaming of
Where all light comes in
And I’ll keep growing my hair out long
Just to cover my eyes
And I’ll keep playing that goddamn song
If it keeps you alive

[Outro]Woo-oo-oo
If it keeps you alive
Woo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo
Woo
I just wanna keep you alive

Upon reading these lyrics, it becomes evident that “Carlo’s Song” revolves around the theme of loss and remembrance. Noah Kahan wrote this song as a tribute to one of his friends who unexpectedly passed away at a young age. By sharing his emotions and memories through this song, Noah is able to keep Carlo’s memory alive.

The first verse paints a nostalgic picture of shared experiences and youthful indulgence. The reference to Billy Joel’s “Only The Good Die Young” adds depth to the lyrics, as they reflect on life and its unpredictability. The chorus seeks to understand if Carlo found what he was looking for, if he was able to find solace in his own skin and achieve the dreams he held dear. Noah expresses his hope that Carlo knows his sister is doing well and acknowledges the sacrifices made to keep his memory alive by metaphorically burning bridges.

The second verse delves into more specific memories shared between Noah and Carlo. The mention of a fire tower and Jack White’s song “We Were Going To Be Friends” adds a personal touch, as it illustrates the bond they shared and the dreams they had together. Despite Noah’s admission of being busy and only seeing Carlo every other weekend, the lyrics convey a sense of regret and longing. Moving to a new city, Noah hopes to drown out his regret with the bustling noise that surrounds him.

The bridge introduces the idea that grief is intertwined with love. Although grief signifies letting go, Noah has never shown anger before and struggles with the loss. The chorus is revisited in the latter part of the song, shifting the focus to Noah’s own journey. He admits to still not finding what he is looking for, seeking an escape from his own sins, and yearning for the place where all light comes in. Growing his hair out long becomes a metaphorical act of hiding, covering his eyes from the pain and memories. Noah emphasizes the significance of playing “that goddamn song” if it means keeping Carlo alive.

The outro serves as a reiteration of the chorus, expressing Noah’s unwavering desire to keep Carlo alive through the power of their shared memories and the music they loved.

My Personal Connection

I first heard “Carlo’s Song” at a friend’s house, and I was immediately captivated by its raw emotion and heartfelt lyrics. As someone who has experienced loss, this song resonated deeply with me. It reminded me of the power of music to heal, to commemorate loved ones, and to keep their essence alive.

Listening to this song, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own memories with those I have lost. It made me appreciate the beauty of shared experiences and the lasting impact they have on our lives. “Carlo’s Song” captures the bittersweet essence of remembrance, of cherishing the past while striving to find solace in the present.

The Music and Production

The music and production of “Carlo’s Song” perfectly complement the poignant lyrics. Noah Kahan’s soulful vocals combined with the acoustic guitar create an intimate and emotive atmosphere. The additional instrumentation, including drums, bass, and background vocals, adds depth and richness to the song. The vocal production by Todd Clark enhances the emotional delivery of the lyrics, allowing listeners to fully connect with the song’s message.

Credits:

  • Written By: Noah Kahan & Aron Wright
  • Vocal Producer: Todd Clark
  • Studio Personnel: Serge Courtois
  • Mixing Engineer: Serge Courtois
  • Guitar: Todd Clark & Brian Goss
  • Drum Programmer: David Baron
  • Bass: Todd Clark & Bryan Isaacs
  • Background Vocals: Simone Felice & Bryan Isaacs
  • Acoustic Guitar: Noah Kahan
  • Release Date: June 14, 2019

Noah Kahan’s “Carlo’s Song” is a powerful tribute to a lost friend, a testament to the enduring bond of shared memories, and a reminder of the healing power of music. Its lyrical depth, emotional delivery, and thoughtful production make it a standout track that continues to resonate with listeners.

Album title: Busyhead (2019)

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