In this evocative track, Death Cab for Cutie explores the theme of disillusionment that accompanies the pursuit of idealized dreams. The reference to "El Dorado," a mythical city of gold, symbolizes an ultimate goal or desire that, once attained, feels underwhelming. The lyrics suggest a narrative where someone achieves their version of success or finds a place they've longed for (Culver City), only to discover it lacks the fulfillment they anticipated. The repeated line, "I tried to be kind for you," implies efforts made by the narrator to support someone else's journey towards this goal, despite witnessing their eventual disenchantment. This song poignantly captures the bittersweet reality that sometimes what we seek most ardently fails to provide the satisfaction we imagine.
