Come Hang Out

AJR's song 'Come Hang Out' delves into the tension between personal ambition and maintaining social connections. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply engrossed in their work, to the point where they have lost touch with what they enjoy and the people they care about. The repeated invitation to 'come hang out' serves as a reminder from friends that life is passing by, and the protagonist is missing out on important moments and relationships.

The song highlights the sacrifices made in the pursuit of success. The protagonist skips social events like prom and misses out on casual Fridays with friends, all in the name of career advancement. This is encapsulated in lines like 'I skipped on prom for Elvis Duran in the Morning' and 'I missed another Friday.' The lyrics also touch on the pressure to achieve more, as seen in the lines 'Last album’s sales could have been higher' and 'Should I go for more clicks this year.' These lines reflect the constant struggle between chasing professional milestones and enjoying the simpler, more personal aspects of life.

AJR uses the metaphor of a 'starving artist' to describe the protagonist's relentless drive. This metaphor not only emphasizes the hunger for success but also the emotional and social starvation that comes with it. The friends' repeated pleas for the protagonist to 'come hang out' underscore the importance of balance. They remind the protagonist that while ambition is important, it shouldn't come at the cost of personal happiness and relationships. The song ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the modern dilemma of balancing career aspirations with the need for social and emotional fulfillment.