"Wait Till Next Year" by Eric Burdon & The Animals is a song that expresses the frustration and defiance of the protagonist towards societal expectations and criticisms. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist is tired of hearing the same old judgments and criticisms from others. They feel like people are constantly trying to reform them and make them feel like a failure. The protagonist sarcastically suggests that they should be woken up when people are finally done singing the same old song. The song highlights the protagonist's disregard for societal norms and opinions. They are unbothered by their messy appearance and express a lack of interest in conforming to society's standards. The line "And by this time next year I should care even less" emphasizes their indifference towards societal expectations. The protagonist acknowledges the advice and criticisms received but rejects them. They are tired of people pretending to be nice while secretly criticizing them. They question why others feel the need to constantly judge and criticize them, urging them to leave them alone if they don't approve. The lyrics also touch upon the protagonist's feeling of being judged and condemned for being true to themselves. The society is portrayed as restrictive, constantly finding faults in them, be it their appearance or manners. The protagonist sarcastically remarks that people "never stop whining" about insignificant things like their shoes needing shine or their manners requiring refinement. Through the defiant tone and rebellious attitude, the protagonist implies that they will not conform to societal expectations. They are determined to continue being themselves, even if it means becoming worse in the eyes of society. Overall, "Wait Till Next Year" can be interpreted as a rebellious anthem against societal pressures and judgments. It conveys the message of staying true to oneself and disregarding the opinions of others.
