All Time Low – Stay Awake lyrics

-it's supposed to be a conversation between wendy and peter in peter pan. But when I was writing it, it actually kind of also turned into a conversation i've had with myself before. Like the more adult side of myself like sensible arguing with the childish side that wants to do other things and do things differently. So that's what the song's about. I like peter pan and obviously because it's like a conversation i've had with myself and it's a pretty cool song. " alex gaskarth.

Well to be completely honest, this song has lifted me up during hard times. It reminds me to always keep my head above water, as it were. The true meaning of the song is in the hands of the listener. No one can really tell you the meaning of a song. Sure the creators will say what meaning the song is suppose to have, but in the end, people will interpret it in different ways. This song. To me. I can't explain it but it really connects to me. Whenever I'm sad, in any way, this song will make me realize how petty my worries or plights were. It reminds me that I can make it through the toughest things because I have dreams that I feel I need to fulfill. I need to do my best, even when I feel like giving up, because I want to do something with my life, I want to get somewhere.

The existence of a universal sign that shows the development of a child to an adult does not exist. Depending on the society and situation a child transforms into an adult by reaching a certain age, accomplishing a task, or even losing purity, the list goes on. Regardless of the minds of the child, they will, by the eyes of others, seen as "grown up" when successfully reaching a certain goal. Though the body develops and grows, does the mind follow? Through slang and repetition, Alex Gaskarth depicts the challenges of maturing.
Gaskarth diction implies his targeted audiences as teenagers. The age of Gaskarth influences his writing by allowing his readers to relate. Starting of a scenery as a person, "Caught up in cold sweat, start splitting hairs, drinking too much, on [the] way to striking out." Suggest the struggle of a situation. (Gaskarth lines 1-3) Drinking, as a solution to a problem seems an action of adolescence. Gaskarth throughout the text seems to contain negative feelings towards someone, he yells at them claiming that " [He'd] tell them everything, [He'd] tell them anything. To show them everything. " And repeats the verse twice suggesting a message to "them". (Lines 37-39) Them seem to symbolize a society that looks down upon him as the age of targeted audience.
Gaskarth claims that experience creates growth. Time correlates with growth therefore for growth to occur time must happen. Gaskarth suggests that, "Before you ask which way to go, remember where you've been." (line 7-8) . Claiming that the past should teach oneself, if growth develops, one must experience an event that changes their character. The characteristics of wanting an adrenaline rush of happiness and excitement describes a child, they may lose conscious of right and wrong, but they will do what pleases them. Gaskarth juxtaposes the reality of gaining the feeling of accomplishing a goal next to imagining what could and should be. He claims that " Dedication takes a lifetime, but dreams only last for a night." (Gaskarth lines 16-17) This then connects to the song title stay awake; Gaskarth exclaims that dreaming does not serve much purpose, only a motivation.
Gaskarth scenario of a ship in a storm exemplifies a symbolic allegory. He compares his troubles by illustrating the difficulties of controlling a sinking ship, the feeling of hopelessness as "This ship is sinking, [hes] thinking im done for [he] watch as the sails disappear underwater." (Gaskarth lines 21-23) This shows fear and confusion through the scene, he then continues stating that "[Hes] not captain yet" (Gaskarth line 24). Gaskarth admittedly states his weakness as only a child unable to handle a grown up situation.
Gaskarth creates negatives feelings towards society and describes his challenges of maturing through usage of imagery in a situation, but his primary goal of expressing the idea of hope still remains. He reassures that he will " Be fine even though [he] is not always right, [He] can count on the sun to shine." (Gaskarth lines 14-15) Gaskarth style of putting the problems upfront then after saying that the sun will shine gives the readers a comfort feeling. Although he believes the challenges overweighs hope sometimes, people should "Get a grip and get out [theyre] safe. From the weight of the world just take, a second to set things straight." (Gaskarth lines 10-12) This then concludes problems of maturing overbears life at everyone point in life, but how they react and take a problem presents if a child successfully matures.