Waste

Foster The People's song 'Waste' delves into the themes of support, companionship, and personal struggle. The lyrics convey a message of unwavering support for someone who is facing internal demons and challenges. The narrator offers a comforting presence, willing to hold the other person's hand through their trials, symbolized by 'monsters' and 'windows that won't close.' This metaphorical language suggests a battle with anxiety, fear, or other emotional turmoil that the individual cannot escape from alone.

The chorus of 'Waste' emphasizes the narrator's dedication to the other person's well-being and autonomy. The repetition of 'you can' alongside the actions of wasting, waking, and changing, indicates that the narrator respects the other person's choices and agency, even if those choices involve self-destructive behavior. However, the narrator also expresses a desire to help, to be a source of strength and encouragement, reinforcing the idea that they will be there to assist in the journey towards change and self-improvement.

The song also touches on the paradox of freedom feeling like a constraint, a sentiment that can resonate with many who feel trapped by their circumstances or their own minds. The 'muscles in our legs' not 'used to all the walking' could be a metaphor for the discomfort that comes with stepping out of one's comfort zone or the struggle to break free from stagnation. Ultimately, 'Waste' is a song about the power of human connection to overcome adversity, the importance of being there for one another, and the belief that with support, individuals can confront their struggles and emerge stronger.