The song "Early Morning Wake Up Call" by The Hives tells the story of a musician's journey in the music industry, highlighting the ups and downs they experience. The lyrics depict the initial excitement and passion for music, as well as the struggles and challenges that come with success. The song starts by describing how the person starts their musical journey by purchasing a guitar and finding success with their songs. However, while they are enjoying their newfound fame, there is someone waiting to claim a portion of their success. This could refer to managers or people looking to exploit their talent for financial gain. As the story progresses, the lyrics mention how the person signs a record deal and embarks on a music career, performing live shows and gaining popularity. However, they soon realize that there are many people trying to take advantage of them, such as hangers-on and backstabbers, who are jealous of their success. Despite achieving chart success and fame, the song suggests that their record sales and concert tickets begin to decline. The protagonist faces various problems, including financial issues with taxes, problems with their lawyer and girlfriend, and the managers running away with their money. The lyrics also mention the feeling of being isolated and abandoned, where even close ones turn against them. The overall meaning of the song can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the music industry and the challenges faced by artists. It portrays how success can attract opportunists who may try to exploit and deceive musicians. Additionally, it emphasizes the unpredictability and instability that can come with fame and fortune in the music world.
