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Cold War Kids – We Used to Vacation Lyrics 19 years ago
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and, nate [the singer] is telling a story here. he is not the father character.
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The song does seems to me to be written in the first person perspective of the father. Whether or not the person who wrote (and/or sings the song) is the person in question is really irrelavant isn't it? Novelists write stories from the perspective of other people all the time - it makes sense that a songwriter might do the same, no?

"left everyone a little shook up
but at the meetings
I felt so empty"

My interpretation:
From what I gather he was in a drunk driving accident for which joined AA (or some other supportive organization).

"best recital I had to ruin
missed my son's graduation"

During his vacation he began drinking again - and showed up late/drunk to his sons graduation where his lapse was exposed to his family.

"I'm just an honest man
provide for me and mine
I give a check to tax deductable
charity organizations
two weks paid vacation won't heal the damage done
I need another one"

He believes he is a good man, and does his best, and hopes that his family will forgive him. I think the last line 'I need another one' might actually refer to another drink - instead of another weeks vacation.

This is a moving song - and probably my favorite on this album.

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