Becoming the Lastnames

Will Wood and The Tapeworms' song 'Becoming the Lastnames' delves into the complexities of modern relationships, tradition, and personal growth. The lyrics reflect a struggle between adhering to traditional values and forging a unique path. The narrator acknowledges the influence of their upbringing, expressing a desire to emulate their parents' relationship while also recognizing the flaws and challenges that come with it. This duality is evident in lines like 'I'll always do it my way, even if that's just the same way I was taught,' highlighting the tension between individuality and inherited behaviors.

The song also explores the idea of legacy and the desire for stability. The narrator contemplates the notion of having children, despite their partner's reluctance, and reflects on the impact of their own parents. The mention of naming a daughter 'Gwendolyn' after a name their mother would have chosen for them adds a layer of personal history and continuity. This desire for a lasting love and the fear of fleeting relationships is poignantly captured in the lines 'And marriage always scared me, but I'd like to have a last love / And love can last a pretty good long while, yeah, I've seen it around.'

As the song progresses, the narrator's cynicism wanes, and they begin to embrace the idea of a committed relationship. The lyrics 'Iconoclasm wanes, my cynicism tires' suggest a shift towards acceptance and a willingness to build a future together. The song concludes with a contemplation of mortality and the hope for a lasting legacy, as seen in the lines 'But if we grow old together, will you talk to my headstone?' This final reflection underscores the narrator's desire for a meaningful and enduring connection, despite the uncertainties and imperfections of life.