Yes, this is about Kozelek’s depression and addiction. The name of the song is taken from the real hill in San Francisco, which occupies a literal island in a lake in Golden Gate Park. Mark also covered “I am a Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel, during the recording sessions for the LP that Strawberry Hill was released on (it’s on “Bridge”, this is on “Rollercoaster”). The lyrics to “I am a Rock”: “I am a rock, I am an island…”. One can conclude he felt isolated and alone in California at the time. It’s a beautifully sad song and has exceptional lyrics, and great , if, unusual, meter. “He says nothing and he sits in his….. room and he’s afraid to(o)… and he’s afraid to drive a car… so sad he is”
Yes, this is about Kozelek’s depression and addiction. The name of the song is taken from the real hill in San Francisco, which occupies a literal island in a lake in Golden Gate Park. Mark also covered “I am a Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel, during the recording sessions for the LP that Strawberry Hill was released on (it’s on “Bridge”, this is on “Rollercoaster”). The lyrics to “I am a Rock”: “I am a rock, I am an island…”. One can conclude he felt isolated and alone in California at the time. It’s a beautifully sad song and has exceptional lyrics, and great , if, unusual, meter. “He says nothing and he sits in his….. room and he’s afraid to(o)… and he’s afraid to drive a car… so sad he is”