Discover the story of the song > Hard To Explain – The Strokes

The protagonist met an honest man who wanted to control him and they talked about wanting fame. The protagonist tries to explain that he's from Carolina and not like them, but it's hard to get his point across. He's nervous and can't seem to say the right thing, but he knows he doesn't belong with them and misses his own life. He missed the last bus but will try to take the next train and leave.