Waving Through A Window

The song 'Waving Through A Window' from the Broadway musical 'Dear Evan Hansen' encapsulates the feelings of isolation, invisibility, and the desperate need for connection that the protagonist, Evan Hansen, experiences. The lyrics poignantly convey the internal struggle of a young man who feels like an outsider in his own life, constantly on the periphery of social interaction and longing to be seen and heard.

The metaphor of 'waving through a window' serves as a powerful image of Evan's attempt to reach out to the world while being separated by an invisible barrier. The repeated line 'I'm tap, tap, tapping on the glass' emphasizes his persistent yet futile efforts to break through this barrier. The song also touches on the theme of self-censorship, as Evan describes how he's learned to hold back ('slam on the brake') to avoid making mistakes or giving others a reason to judge him. This self-imposed isolation is a defense mechanism against the pain of rejection and the fear of not being accepted for who he is.

The existential question 'Will I ever be more than I've always been?' echoes throughout the song, highlighting Evan's deep-seated insecurities and his yearning for growth and change. The poignant lines questioning whether a tree falling in a forest makes a sound if no one is around to hear it further illustrate the theme of existence and recognition. Evan wonders if his own struggles and pain are even real or acknowledged if there's no one to witness them. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt overlooked or misunderstood, making it a universal anthem for the unseen and unheard.