At the tail end of last semester, I wrote about “Missing Out” by Maya Hawke, connecting her energy to the changing of the seasons as the snow melted and the flowers began to bloom. Now, I’ve somehow found myself back in the position to write about a song of hers, once again linking it to the changing seasons and those uncertain feelings.
With leaves hitting the grass and chilly winds blowing across campus, Maya Hawke has gifted us with a brief EP, Clipped Wings, to soundtrack the atmospheric change. Although I found something to love within each of the four songs on this EP, there was one that specifically stuck out to me — “Jack London.”
“Say you’re heartsick, say you’re sleepless /
Top ranking pound for pound /
Say you’re rugged, say you’re reckless /
Drag syllable from sound”
Jack London was a famous American novelist and journalist in the late 1800s, known best for The Call of The Wild. A fun connection to London would be Maya’s dad, Ethan Hawke, who starred in a movie adaptation of London’s White Fang.
From my perspective, I see her taking a lot of inspiration from his work for the lyrics and format of the song. The lyrics are chock-full of imagery and allusion to some of London’s pieces. There’s also metaphorical symbolism in the verses and literary terminology that ties the song together and strengthens the realistic fiction concept and allegory it presents.
“Though your purpose is no longer clear /
There’s little left for you to do /
Don’t know why the hell I’m here /
If I’m not here for you”
While my midterm-muddled mind had a harder time dissecting the lyrics of this song, there is still a general warmth and connection it brings. Released on Oct. 4, this song has already accompanied me across the chilly sidewalks of campus many times. Her chorus about purpose felt especially personal, particularly as a college kid still trying to figure out what to do with their future.
Although this may not be the real meaning behind the chorus, I like to believe it’s a conversation with yourself. Linking it to the current college experience, I feel it can be an anthem for everyone. You may not know what you’re doing, your purpose or why you’re here, but you’re here for yourself and the betterment of your future, getting closer and closer to your goals.
