Released: 2005
In “As Soon As I Wake Up,” Macklemore crafts an introspective anthem centered on self-renewal and artistic salvation. The song dives into themes of personal growth, transformation, and the power of music and writing to heal and inspire change. With an honest narrative, Macklemore shares his journey and struggles, using his lyrics as a canvas to depict hope, faith, and perseverance.
The hook in “As Soon As I Wake Up” sets the tone for the song. “As soon as I wake up, I’m going to change my ways” signals the desire for self-improvement and new beginnings. This declaration reflects a conscious decision to break free from past behaviors and habits that might have been holding him back. It’s an anthem for fresh starts and taking control of one’s life.
The verse opens with the idea of music as a savior. Macklemore acknowledges that while music provides an escape and a means to process pain, the true transformation begins with action — changing his ways. Here, he highlights the healing power of art, emphasizing how writing helps him cope with pain that seems untouchable otherwise.
“Except for this paper, the page flows like rain” introduces a vivid metaphor for the writing process, depicting it as natural and cleansing. It suggests that his thoughts and feelings spill onto the page effortlessly, a therapeutic process where he finds solace. The notion of writing being as refreshing and continuous as rain underscores its importance in his journey.
The continuation “Instead of staying the same” shows an awareness of stagnation, and the phrase “I see better days ahead of me” serves as motivation. Macklemore paints an optimistic future through his words, reinforcing that creativity can envision and shape better tomorrows. He saves these visions “for the rainy ones,” storing positivity to counterbalance the darker times.
When “anger and the anguish want to hang around,” Macklemore uses verbal expression as a means to address and dismiss negativity. By saying his frustrations out loud, he externalizes and confronts them, taking steps towards emotional liberation. The lyric “I figure I’m made to live” portrays an acknowledgment of purpose and existence beyond present hardships.
Acknowledgment of a higher power or fate comes into play when he thanks “if there is a god,” illustrating a complex relationship with spirituality. Gratitude surfaces despite uncertainty, as Macklemore recognizes the progress he’s made, “so if there is a god, I give thanks to him.” The act of “taking a pen and making amends” shows repentance through creativity.
A poignant moment emerges when he confesses “scared to pick up the pen,” showing vulnerability. There’s fear of self-examination and what might be revealed. However, he finds strength in his listeners and the creative process itself, asking for serenity, but without traditional religious constraints, indicating a need for peace and understanding beyond formal dogma.
“The struggles, heartache, pain, the progress and the breakthrough” succinctly sums up the challenges Macklemore has faced and overcome through music. His growth as an artist is deeply intertwined with his personal evolution. Every track represents a step in his journey, the lyrics functioning as milestones of change and progress.
The song takes a communal turn as it mentions “artists and musicians” who are tasked with making art that truly represents life, without limitations. Here, Macklemore implies that art’s power lies in its honesty and its capacity to capture a wide spectrum of human experience. “I’m already awake, I’m just starting to live it” shows self-awareness, concluding his journey with realization and the acceptance of a new chapter.
To wrap up, “As Soon As I Wake Up” embodies the perennial human desire to evolve and adapt. Macklemore highlights the crucial role of music and creativity in confronting inner turmoil and embracing transformation. Through self-expression, he not only narrates his journey but invites listeners to introspect and seek their path to redemption and self-discovery.
