How Was I Supposed To Know

Holy Wave's song 'How Was I Supposed To Know' delves into themes of uncertainty, longing, and the search for understanding in the face of absence. The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with the emotional void left by a significant other. The protagonist's actions—leaving their number with a receptionist, visiting a therapist, and writing to a state representative—highlight their desperate attempts to find solace and answers. These actions symbolize the lengths to which people go to cope with loss and confusion, seeking help from various sources but finding no real resolution.

The chorus, repeating the question 'How was I supposed to know?', underscores the protagonist's bewilderment and sense of helplessness. This refrain suggests a lack of foresight or understanding about the situation that led to the current emotional state. The mention of calling the significant other's parents and reminiscing about youthful days adds a layer of nostalgia and a yearning for a simpler, happier time. The wish for a 'perfect world' reflects a desire to escape the imperfections and challenges of the present reality.

The song also explores the internal conflict experienced by the protagonist. Lines like 'When I'm inside I feel out / And outside run about' convey a sense of disorientation and restlessness. The protagonist's search for their lost love and the rhetorical question 'How do you like my song?' at the end suggest a need for validation and connection. The repeated 'La, la la' serves as a melancholic yet soothing refrain, encapsulating the unresolved emotions and the ongoing quest for understanding and peace.