Song Details
- Album Release Date: 1994-01-01
- Album Name: Whip-Smart
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “Go West” by Liz Phair
Liz Phair’s ‘Go West’ is a dreamy, uptempo track that speaks to resilience, personal growth, and the idea of leaving it all behind to find a better home. With the opening line, “Here comes the sun, now that I’m almost done,” Phair’s narrator is suggesting that despite their history of struggling, they are now ready to make a fresh start, to close a door on their stormy past and head for a better life. The chorus’ refrain of “go west” speaks to a search for the Promised Land — of peace, of freedom, of life at its fullest — somewhere far away from whatever darkness has been keeping them in the shadows. This longing for something better is central to the track and Phair’s vocals especially shine as she intones, “And I’m a dreamer, and I’m a believer, so you won’t take me down, no.” By singing of pursuing a future of hopefulness and inner strength, Phair has created an empowering anthem that encourages the listener to forge their own path and find new strength.