Waves

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of an overwhelming, almost tangible sensation, a feeling that's both celebratory and deeply introspective. It starts with a sensory experience, a physical "churn" and "curls" that evoke a powerful, persistent presence, "on a cloud that doesn't fade." This initial feeling is linked to outward signs of joy and festivity, like a "motorcade," a "float parade," and the comforting warmth of "Grandma's house." The repeated question, "Can you feel it?" emphasizes the intensity and shared nature of this emotion, suggesting it's something profound and undeniable. The dominant tension emerges when the feeling shifts from external celebration to internal, existential reflection. The lyrics move from the vibrant imagery of parades to the more somber, personal realization of mortality and regret. The "love texts" and "cellular telephone" ground the feeling in modern connection, but this quickly contrasts with the chilling thought of "getting old" and the "cemetery home." This juxtaposition highlights a core conflict: the desire to celebrate life versus the unavoidable awareness of its finite nature and the weight of past choices, encapsulated in "All the things I should've known." The most striking craft element is the extended use of simile, particularly the way it pivots from joyous associations to melancholic ones. Initially, similes like "wheels of a motorcade" and "star in a float parade" amplify the celebratory mood. However, the shift to "the thought of getting old / In the cemetery home" uses a similar structure to introduce dread and finality. This mirroring of form with contrasting emotional content creates a disorienting yet effective portrayal of how profound feelings can encompass both elation and deep-seated anxiety simultaneously. This lyrical construction makes the feeling intensely relatable because it captures the complex, often contradictory nature of human experience. The writing doesn't shy away from the darker undertones that can accompany even moments of perceived joy or the quiet dread that can surface amidst life's celebrations. The final line, "I'll find my wave or ride alone," offers a resolution that acknowledges this duality, suggesting a personal quest for meaning that must be navigated, whether with others or in solitary reflection, acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of finding one's place.