Discover the story of the song > This Year – The Mountain Goats

The protagonist drives away from his broken home and meets a girl named Cathy who he spends time with. He reflects on his past mistakes, including drunkenly playing video games and hurting himself, but is determined to make it through the year no matter what. Despite feeling the effects of alcohol, he arrives home and knows that bad things will happen with his stepfather. He repeats his determination to make it through the year, even if it means risking his life.