Wake Up

Kowloon's song "Wake Up" delves into the existential struggle of finding authenticity in a world that often feels superficial and disconnected. The lyrics express a deep sense of alienation and confusion, as the narrator grapples with their inability to cry or feel genuine emotions. This detachment is further emphasized by the rhetorical question, "Does any one these days know what's real?" suggesting a broader societal issue where people are losing touch with their true selves and emotions.

The chorus, with its repeated calls to "Wake up" and "Live someone else's dream," highlights the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the performative nature of modern life. The lines "Smile smile 'cause they're all watching" and "Shakeup shakedown, they can't hear you scream" paint a picture of a world where appearances are everything, and genuine emotions are suppressed. The narrator's plea, "Can't you hear me sing?" serves as a cry for help, a desperate attempt to be heard and understood in a world that seems indifferent.

The song also touches on the theme of desensitization, with the narrator questioning whether anyone cares if the next person is alive or dead. This sense of apathy is a reflection of the emotional numbness that can result from constant exposure to a world that feels overwhelming and hard to understand. The closing lines, "There is something strange in my brain... I hear your name and my brain tears me in two," suggest an internal conflict and a longing for connection, even as the narrator struggles to reconcile their emotions.

"Wake Up" by Kowloon is a poignant exploration of the challenges of maintaining authenticity and emotional connection in a world that often prioritizes superficiality and conformity. The song's raw lyrics and haunting melody serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself and the need for genuine human connection.