Hollywood

Lewis Capaldi's song "Hollywood" delves into the emotional turmoil of a love lost and the yearning to return to the beginning. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of separation and regret, with the protagonist reflecting on a relationship that has been fractured by distance and time. The mention of being "separated by oceans, vast" underscores the physical and emotional chasm that has developed between the two lovers. This distance is not just geographical but also metaphorical, representing the growing emotional gap that the protagonist wishes to bridge.

The chorus reveals the protagonist's struggle to move on, despite spending time in Hollywood, a place often associated with dreams and escapism. Hollywood here symbolizes a distraction, a place where the protagonist tries to forget the past but ultimately fails. The repeated question, "Do you ever feel like goin' back to the start?" highlights a deep-seated desire to rewind time and mend the broken relationship. This longing is further emphasized by the lines, "If you can hear me, does it really have to end?" suggesting a hope that the other person might feel the same way and be willing to give the relationship another chance.

Capaldi's soulful delivery and poignant lyrics capture the essence of heartbreak and the universal desire to fix what once was. The song's emotional depth is amplified by its simple yet powerful imagery, such as streetlights illuminating memories of home and the heavy, unsteady feeling of a heart weighed down by love. Through "Hollywood," Capaldi explores themes of regret, longing, and the bittersweet nature of love, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever wished they could turn back time and start over.