Also Frightened

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of children exploring the natural world, their actions described with a sense of wild abandon. They "crawl into the logs" and let "damp ground change the hue on their pants," suggesting an uninhibited engagement with their surroundings. This freedom is juxtaposed with a parental or guardian perspective, observing their "voices grow wild" and rise with the birds, highlighting a natural, untamed energy that is both observed and perhaps slightly detached, as indicated by "we can't sweat" and "we won't fret." The central tension emerges in the repeated question: "Will it be just like they're dreaming? Will it be just like I'm dreaming?" This refrain captures a profound parental anxiety about the future. It questions whether the children's nascent dreams and experiences will align with the observer's hopes and visions for them, or if they will diverge. This uncertainty is amplified by the later line, "Will I want them to be who they will be / Or to be more like their dad?" revealing a conflict between accepting individuality and projecting desired traits. The most striking craft element is the recurring, almost incantatory question about dreams, which blurs the lines between the children's internal worlds and the narrator's own aspirations. This repetition creates a sense of circular thought and unresolved yearning. The bridge then introduces a direct, vulnerable query: "Are you also frightened?" This shifts the focus outward, seeking shared vulnerability and acknowledging a collective fear, perhaps about the very act of letting go and the unknown paths ahead for the children. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they tap into the universal experience of watching loved ones grow and the inherent fear of the unknown future. The writing effectively uses imagery of natural exploration to represent burgeoning independence, while the questioning chorus and bridge reveal the complex emotional landscape of a guardian grappling with control, hope, and the deep-seated fear of what lies beyond their influence. The final lines, "No one should call you a dreamer," offer a protective, almost defiant stance, suggesting a desire to shield the children from potential disappointment or judgment, reinforcing the underlying concern for their well-being and future.