Lyric discussion by Abex22 

Cover art for As I Rise lyrics by Decemberists, The

the singer has come a long way (fought many "battles" gone through obstacles etc.) and he has scars (bilsters) from it. california, meaning a dry, hot place...maybe out in the open..was ok but now he is in the shade...he's in a cooler environment...he's happier here...and through all of his pain he finds what he is looking for-ladybug,ladybird meaning his love-and shes the prettiest song he has heard-shes lovely..you know..

so hes in love and goes through hell to reach her-and he does. and thats my interpretation...