Waiting Room

Fugazi's 'Waiting Room' is a song that encapsulates the frustration and impatience of being stuck in a state of inactivity, while also serving as a call to action against complacency. The repetitive nature of the lyrics 'I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait' emphasizes the feeling of time slipping away unproductively, akin to water spiraling down a drain. This imagery suggests a sense of urgency and the preciousness of time, highlighting the importance of not wasting it.

The chorus 'I don't want the news, I cannot use it' can be interpreted as a rejection of passively consuming information without taking action. The song criticizes the state of being constantly informed yet immobilized, unable to effect change. This sentiment is reinforced by the lines 'Everybody's moving, Everybody's moving,' which contrasts with the singer's own sense of stagnation in the 'waiting room,' a metaphor for a place of transition where nothing significant happens.

Ultimately, 'Waiting Room' is about breaking free from the inertia of the waiting room and taking control of one's destiny. The protagonist of the song plans a 'big surprise' and vows to fight for what they want to be, refusing to make the same mistakes that lead to wasted time. The song's energetic rhythm and defiant lyrics encourage listeners to get up and take action, to live deliberately and purposefully rather than remaining passive observers of their own lives.