Existentialism on Prom Night

when the sun came up

we were sleeping in

sunk inside our blankets

sprawled across the bed

and we were dreaming

there are moments when i know it

and the world revolves around us

and we're keeping it

keeping it all going

this delicate balance

vulnerable

all knowing

(sing like you think no one's listening)

you would kill for this

just a little bit

so, sing me something soft

sad and delicate

or loud and out of key

sing me anything

we're glad for what we've got

done with what we've lost

our whole lives laid out right in front of us

(sing like you think no one's listening)

etc.

In a very limited nutshell, Existentialism is the study of human existence, that our actions have consequences and certain things are not predestined to happen; that we really do have control over our own lives. This appears to tie in with the line in the song that stands out most, "Sing like you think no one's listening." In essence, lead singer John Nolan is saying that in high school (i.e. prom night) we care far too much about the reactions of others to our actions and that true happiness lies not in what a group thinks, but in the moment. It's sort of a carpe diem type of thing (Look it up).

Extra credit in your journals for a well-thought through analysis of the song.