Sun Tan

Wallows' song 'Sun Tan' delves into the emotional complexities of a young adult grappling with feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and the struggle to communicate. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels like a 'fucking loser' and is caught in a cycle of self-doubt and avoidance. The protagonist's reluctance to engage with others, particularly a significant other, is evident as they admit to ignoring calls and spending time alone, often in mundane activities like shopping at the mall. This behavior underscores a deeper sense of disconnection and the difficulty of expressing one's emotions, especially when under the influence, as indicated by the repeated mention of being 'cross-faded.'

The recurring imagery of the sun and sunburn serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's emotional state. The sun, typically a symbol of warmth and vitality, here represents something that is both desired and damaging. The lines 'Why does the sun set, baby? I'm trying to get my sun tan' and 'Why does the sun shine, baby? I'm tryna heal my sunburn' reflect a longing for stability and healing amidst the constant changes and challenges of life. The sun setting and shining can be seen as the ups and downs of the protagonist's emotional journey, where they are trying to find balance and solace.

The song also touches on themes of change and the passage of time. The protagonist acknowledges that 'times are really changing' and expresses a sense of being left behind or unable to keep up. This is further emphasized by the line 'I feel I'm always aging,' which conveys a feeling of weariness and the pressure to find one's place in a rapidly evolving world. The closing lines, where the protagonist resists being told what to do or see, highlight a desire for autonomy and the struggle to maintain a sense of self amidst external expectations and internal turmoil.