Wishful Thinking (2018)

Song Meaning

The narrator grapples with uncertainty, desperately seeking a positive outcome. They're "counting on the answer" to avoid losing themselves, questioning if any "silver a lining" exists in their own mind. This sets up a core tension between the need for hope and the fear of delusion. The central conflict revolves around the precarious state of being "on my own" while simultaneously asserting "I'll be okay." There's a clear push and pull between the desire to "break away" and the fear of the unknown, highlighted by the repeated question, "Is it wishful thinkin' / That I'll see better days?" The narrator acknowledges they don't know "where I'm goin'," but crucially, they are "growing all the same." The most compelling craft element is the persistent, almost anxious repetition of the phrase "wishful thinkin'." This isn't just a question; it's a self-doubt that permeates the entire song, framing every hope as potentially false. The contrast between the external "hear you from the outside" and the internal struggle "circling around" emphasizes the isolation of this internal debate. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they capture the raw vulnerability of navigating difficult transitions. The power lies in the honest admission of not knowing the future ("I don't know where I'm goin'") juxtaposed with the quiet resilience of personal development ("But I'm growing all the same"). It's this blend of doubt and determined growth that makes the narrator's hopeful, albeit uncertain, outlook so compelling.