5 Year Plan
H2o
Navigating Uncertainty: The Struggle for Purpose in '5 Year Plan'
H2O's song '5 Year Plan' delves into the existential angst and uncertainty faced by many young adults. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist grappling with a lack of direction and purpose. The recurring mention of friends who look out for him 'like family' and a mother who has been struggling since he was three highlights a sense of community and familial bonds that provide some solace amidst the chaos. However, these relationships also underscore the protagonist's feelings of inadequacy and fear of being a burden.
The song's chorus, '5 years from now where will I be, on the same road with no future to no destiny,' encapsulates the central theme of the song: a deep-seated fear of stagnation and the unknown. The protagonist's lack of motivation, college degree, and financial stability are sources of anxiety, leading to a sense of despair and hopelessness. The mention of 'cool tattoos' as his 'only salvation' suggests a search for identity and meaning in superficial aspects, further emphasizing the struggle to find a deeper purpose.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of procrastination and dependency on others, particularly in the lines 'There's got to be more, stop procrastination, like depending on others for touring vacation.' This reflects a desire for self-sufficiency and a break from the cycle of relying on others for support. The song ends on a note of unresolved tension, with the repeated question of where the protagonist will be in five years, leaving the listener to ponder the uncertainties of their own future.