If music defines attitude, then I guess I’ve always been a pop-punk kid: bratty and juvenile, but with a dash of insight and plenty of heart. Still, a time comes along when it’s time to put away the skateboard and become an adult. That transition can be difficult as it’s easy to embrace the responsibilities over the horizon but even easier to keep one foot firmly planted in teenage rebellion.
As music defines me now, I’m The Wonder Years, a brashly melodic 6-piece out of Pennsylvania that fits squarely in with where I am now, yet screams nostalgia for where I’ve been. If you don’t believe it’s possible for pop-punk to sound grown up, just take a listen:
“CAME OUT SWINGING”
Moved all my shit into my parent’s basement
And out of our old apartment
I know things changed but I’m not sure when
I guess you’d call this regression
I left a real job and a girlfriend
I convinced myself that I’m brave enough for all of this
Well, I spent this whole year in airports
And the floor feels like home
Oh, at least we’re never alone
I lost track of the time zones and I’d call but you know
I’m running on empty
The late nights and the long drives start to get to me
I’m just so tired
I spent this year as a ghost and I’m not sure what I’m looking for
I’m a voice on a phone that you rarely answer anymore
I came in here alone
Came in here alone
But that doesn’t scare me like it did seven months ago
I spent this year as a ghost and I’m not sure where home is anymore
Been on a steady fast food diet
Like we’re this generation’s Morgan Spurlock
But we don’t admit defeat
My body feels rejected and I can’t say that I blame it
My heart keeps saying stay young
My lower back seems to disagree
I unrolled a cheap cotton blanket on an old dirty couch
I felt the year start to wind down
I can’t stand any dead space
Empty beds bum me out
I spent this year as a ghost and I’m not sure what I’m looking for
I’m a voice on a phone that you rarely answer anymore
I came in here alone
Came in here alone
But that doesn’t scare me like it did seven months ago
I spent this year as a ghost and I’m not sure where home is anymore
I came out swinging from a South Philly basement
Caked in stale beer and sweat under half-lit fluorescents
I spent the winter writing songs about getting better
And if I’m being honest, I’m getting there
