The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Martin Sheen Or JFK" by the artist "Yellowcard"

In Yellowcard's song "Martin Sheen Or JFK," the lyrical protagonist is going through a painful breakup. He feels lost and devastated, resorting to alcohol to numb the pain ("another glass... knocked back for you," "bottom of the bottle with my mistakes").

The song's title, referencing the movie "The Goonies" and actor Martin Sheen, who portrayed John F. Kennedy, emphasizes the irony of the situation. A coin bearing the image of the president, a symbol of hope and future, is used in the film to "make a wish" that doesn't come true. Similarly, the song's protagonist clings to the past ("I'm taking them, taking them forever to where I'll be safe"), but this is just an illusion of comfort.

The phrase "you're sailing away, leaving me shipwrecked" reinforces the feeling of abandonment and loneliness. The protagonist understands that the relationship is over ("you're my air... I could breathe if you stayed here"), but he can't let go of the past and continues to "drown" in his feelings.

The recurring phrase "I'm taking them" (referring to the movie) likely symbolizes the protagonist's attempt to preserve something valuable from the broken relationship, to hide from reality in his memories. However, this is only a temporary refuge that does not bring true relief.