The song "Ease Up Kid" by Hippo Campus is about a young person struggling with anxiety and the pressure to succeed. The lyrics describe the snowy and solemn atmosphere of their home, which reflects their inner turmoil. The speaker admits to wanting something they can't quite remember, and half of them is trying not to want it at all. The chorus serves as a comforting mantra, encouraging the listener to relax and not worry so much. The advice to "be a man, be a brother" implies that the speaker is male and possibly has siblings. They also mention the changing of the seasons, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life. In the second verse, the speaker thinks about finding comfort in the beds of others, but ultimately finds solace in their own sheets. They mention a garden planted by their mother, but they are not hungry and apologize for it. Overall, "Ease Up Kid" suggests that it's okay to feel lost or uncertain at times, and that things will eventually change for the better. The song encourages the listener to be gentle with themselves and to not give up hope.
