The Wish
Josh Canova
The Struggle for Self-Acceptance in 'The Wish'
Josh Canova's song 'The Wish' delves into the complex emotions of self-doubt and the yearning for change. The lyrics express a deep-seated desire to be someone else, highlighting the internal conflict between societal expectations and personal feelings. The opening lines, 'Well, I wish that I could be someone else / Sometimes I understand / That I'm not supposed to feel like this,' set the tone for the song, revealing a struggle with self-acceptance and the pressure to conform to a certain emotional state, such as happiness.
The song continues to explore the protagonist's efforts to cope with these feelings. Lines like 'I'm trying honest I am / Look how busy I am' suggest a frantic attempt to distract oneself from inner turmoil through busyness. However, the acknowledgment that 'I might not learn how to fix it / Or even change it' indicates a sense of helplessness and resignation. This reflects a common human experience where despite our best efforts, some emotional struggles remain unresolved.
In the latter part of the song, the lyrics 'Well, I might try opening up / Sometimes I can be angry inside' show a glimmer of hope and a willingness to confront these emotions. Yet, the repeated assertion of self-reliance, 'I'm fine I'll do it myself / Like I've done it before / And I won't need anyone's help,' underscores a reluctance to seek external support. This duality of wanting to change but feeling the need to handle it alone encapsulates the essence of the song, making it a poignant reflection on the challenges of self-improvement and the journey towards self-acceptance.