The meaning of the lyrics of the song "There There" by the artist "Wonder Years, The"

The lyrics of "There There" by The Wonder Years portray a person grappling with anxiety and possibly depression. The lyrical protagonist recognizes the burden their condition places on others, causing them discomfort ("You try to read, But I’m always in your light"). They constantly apologize for their behavior ("You try to sleep, But I always wake you up to apologize"), acknowledging their strange appearance in the eyes of others ("I know what it looks like, When I’m singing to myself in public").

The phrase "laugh at the wrong time" is a metaphor illustrating the protagonist's inability to react appropriately to situations, their detachment from reality. They seem to exist in their own world, lost in their thoughts ("I’m mumbling like a crazy person," "I’m always staring off into space," "Lost in my head again").

The image of the heart hanging on a clothesline conveys vulnerability, insecurity, and emotional exposure. "Tenement building in the middle of July" intensifies the feeling of discomfort, suffocation, and hopelessness.

The question "So this is what it feels like, To have your wings clipped?" addresses the listener, inviting them to imagine what it’s like to live with constant anxiety that binds, restricts, makes it hard to breathe and move freely. The closing lines "I’m awkward and nervous" emphasize the protagonist's internal struggle, their inability to cope with their condition.