The La's – "There She Goes": Meaning and Inspiration
"There She Goes" by The La's, released in 1988 and reissued in 1990, is one of the most iconic indie pop songs of its era. Its chiming guitars and instantly memorable melody have made it a timeless classic, but the song’s meaning has sparked debate and fascination for decades.
Lyrical Interpretation
- Love or Heroin?
The song’s lyrics—"There she goes again / Racing through my brain / Pulsing through my vein / No one else can heal my pain"—have led to two dominant interpretations:- Unrequited Love: Many listeners and critics see it as a straightforward anthem about infatuation or longing for someone out of reach. The song’s breezy, wistful tone and singalong chorus evoke the ache of a love that’s always just beyond grasp. This reading is reinforced by its frequent use in family-friendly films and TV shows, and by its reputation as a classic love song123.
- Heroin Reference: Others argue the lyrics are a thinly veiled ode to heroin, pointing to phrases like "pulsing through my vein" and "racing through my brain." This interpretation gained traction in the press and among fans, especially given the drug’s association with rock music and the Velvet Underground, whose song "There She Goes Again" inspired rumors about The La’s track4523.
What the Band Says
- Lee Mavers’ Denial:
Lee Mavers, the band’s enigmatic frontman and songwriter, has consistently denied that the song is about heroin. While Mavers did try heroin after the song was written, he has stated that the lyrics were not inspired by drug use52. - Band Members’ Ambiguity:
Other members have also been noncommittal or dismissive about the drug theory. Bassist John Power said, "I don't know. Truth is, I don't wanna know," while guitarist Paul Hemmings has denied the heroin connection outright56.
Cultural and Musical Legacy
- Timeless Pop Masterpiece:
Regardless of its true inspiration, "There She Goes" endures as a "timeless melody" and a "perfect guitar pop song," celebrated for its simplicity, emotional resonance, and universal appeal13. Its sunny optimism and bittersweet undertones have made it a staple of indie playlists and a source of inspiration for countless musicians. - Lasting Debate:
The ambiguity of the lyrics only adds to the song’s mystique, allowing listeners to project their own experiences of love, longing, or struggle onto it23.
Conclusion
"There She Goes" by The La’s is a song that has captivated listeners with its melodic brilliance and enigmatic lyrics. Whether you hear it as a tale of unrequited love or a coded reference to heroin, its enduring charm lies in its ability to evoke longing, nostalgia, and the bittersweet ache of desire—leaving its true meaning, fittingly, just out of reach523.
