Meaning of Calgary by Tate McRae (the story behind)

"Calgary" by Tate McRae explores the challenges of navigating early adulthood and the persistent struggle to overcome personal demons. The lyrics provide a snapshot of the singer's life, expressing a sense of stagnation and the emotional weight that comes with growing up.

The repetition of the phrase "Same bar, same street" creates a visual and emotional anchor, conveying a feeling of being stuck in a familiar and perhaps monotonous environment. The reference to feeling fifteen despite being twenty suggests a lingering sense of adolescence, highlighting the difficulty of fully embracing adulthood.

The mention of old friends downtown who didn't like the singer then and still don't now adds a layer of interpersonal struggle. It reflects the complexities of relationships and the challenges of being accepted for who you are. The line "All my habits came back around" suggests a recurrence of familiar patterns, possibly alluding to coping mechanisms or struggles with mental health.

The singer acknowledges the difficulty of figuring things out, expressing a desire for self-improvement. The admission of temptations and the constant battle with personal demons is a raw and honest reflection on the internal struggles many face.

In the chorus, the repetition of "I thought that I was gettin' better, no, I got better at pretendin'" captures the essence of the song. It speaks to the facade people often put on, concealing their struggles behind a veneer of improvement.

The closing lines, "And I'd do it again, I'm a creature of habit," convey a sense of resignation and self-awareness. Despite the challenges, the singer acknowledges the inevitability of repeating certain behaviors and facing the consequences.

"Calgary" paints a poignant picture of the tumultuous journey through early adulthood, capturing the essence of internal battles, the quest for self-improvement, and the complexity of human relationships.