The song "Wake Up" by Mason Jennings explores themes of self-discovery, addiction, and acceptance. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist has struggled with alcoholism from a young age and used drinking as a coping mechanism. However, the consequences of his addiction become apparent as he realizes that something is wrong while he was half his current age. During a performance, the protagonist starts laughing uncontrollably for weeks, which indicates the psychological toll his alcoholism is taking on him. The girl in the first row expresses concern, but the protagonist acknowledges that what he's going through is not funny. Seeking help, he visits a therapist who advises him to refrain from drinking when he's nervous. However, the protagonist omits the fact that he is constantly nervous. He continues to drink and overthink his situation. As the song progresses, the protagonist experiments with different methods to alleviate his pain. He tries meditating and attending church but finds no solace. He questions why others find comfort in their beliefs, highlighting his awareness of their perceived ignorance compared to his own intelligence. Feeling desperate, the protagonist reaches out to someone he knows for support. He confesses that all he ever wanted was to be perfect and not be an alcoholic. This phone call signifies his realization that he cannot overcome his struggles alone. Acceptance becomes a pivotal moment for the protagonist. He accepts who he is and labels his addiction as a disease. This act brings relief and prompts him to embrace being imperfect and fall to his knees, possibly in surrender or prayer. The final verses convey a sense of awakening and rediscovery. The protagonist realizes he has been absent from truly living and prompts himself to remember how it feels. He encourages bravery in being true to oneself and emphasizes that while he may not be the master of his life, he is no longer a slave to his addiction. Overall, "Wake Up" portrays the journey of a person battling addiction and finding hope, acceptance, and self-discovery along the way.
