Wide Awake

In 'Wide Awake,' VHS Collection delves into the emotional turmoil of chasing unfulfilled dreams and the struggle to break free from a monotonous existence. The song opens with a nostalgic reflection on childhood dreams, suggesting a sense of loss and disillusionment as the protagonist grows older. The lyrics 'Everything was taken / From a world forsaken now' evoke a feeling of abandonment and a longing for a simpler, more innocent time. This sets the stage for the protagonist's quest for salvation and meaning in a world that seems to have lost its way.

The chorus, with its repeated declaration of being 'wide awake,' signifies a heightened state of awareness and determination. The protagonist is fixated on a dream or a person, symbolized by the lines 'Keeping my eyes on you / I can't escape / Chasing the dream of you.' This relentless pursuit is both empowering and exhausting, as it becomes clear that the dream is elusive and perhaps unattainable. The metaphor of being 'tattooed on my arm' underscores the permanence of this obsession, indicating that it has become an integral part of the protagonist's identity.

The second verse shifts to a more concrete setting, describing the protagonist's disillusionment with a mundane job in the city. The lyrics 'Everything was jaded / I could barely make it out' highlight the suffocating nature of this environment. Despite the protagonist's youth and potential, they feel trapped and disheartened. The repeated plea to 'set me free' encapsulates the desire to break free from these constraints and find true fulfillment. Ultimately, 'Wide Awake' is a poignant exploration of the tension between dreams and reality, and the enduring hope that keeps us striving for something more.