Song meaning of Close to Home by The Get Up Kids

The lyrics of "Close to Home" by The Get Up Kids convey a message of self-reliance and the importance of taking control of one's own destiny. The song begins with the line "Summer swallowed us whole," which suggests a feeling of being consumed by something overwhelming. The protagonist then waits for someone to come around, hoping for validation or support. However, they realize that relying on others for their own success or happiness is futile.

The chorus emphasizes the absence of sound from trusted sources, which hits close to home and implies a lack of support or guidance. Despite this, the lyrics urge the listener to make their own destiny and not be held back by the doubts or disapproval of others. There is a subtle critique of the person who is unaware of their own potential and should be scared to remain stagnant while others embrace their mistakes and learn from them.

The repetition of "We're not waiting forever" highlights the sense of urgency and the understanding that relying on someone else's approval or presence is a waste of time. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist and others who share this mindset will no longer wait for someone who will never be there. Instead, they encourage the listener to take action and forge their own path.

In the end, the song acknowledges that there may have been a misunderstanding or misjudgment about the person they were waiting for. This realization reflects a growth in understanding and a recognition that relying on others for validation can lead to disappointment. The lyrics imply that the protagonist has learned from this experience and will no longer make the same mistake.

Overall, "Close to Home" delivers a message of empowerment and self-reliance, encouraging listeners to assert their independence and take charge of their own destiny. It emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, not waiting for others to validate or support their journey, and embracing the possibility of being wrong about someone's true intentions.