What Happened

H2O's song "What Happened" is a poignant critique of the current state of the music scene, particularly within the punk and hardcore genres. The lyrics reflect a deep sense of nostalgia and frustration over the shift from a focus on genuine passion and artistic expression to an emphasis on image and fashion. The song opens by reminiscing about a time when it didn't matter how you looked or what you wore to a show, highlighting a past where the music and the message were paramount.

The chorus repeatedly questions the loss of passion and hard work, asking why the music and the message that once resonated so deeply have been overshadowed by superficial concerns. This sentiment is encapsulated in the lines, "Fashion before passion!" and "What happened to the hard work?" The repetition of these questions underscores the artist's disillusionment with the current state of the scene, where conformity and image seem to have taken precedence over individuality and authenticity.

The song also touches on the inevitability of change and the different stages people go through in life. However, the artist makes it clear that their frustration stems from a genuine feeling inside, a longing for the days when the music was driven by raw emotion and a powerful message. The bridge of the song serves as a rallying cry, with the artist refusing to surrender their dreams and vowing to keep the spirit of authentic music alive. The closing lines, "I can't believe they don't remember what it feels like to be young," serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one's roots and the original spirit of the music.