the prom

The overall theme of the song revolves around the anxiety and regret that often come with growing up. Missing the high school prom symbolizes a loss of connection and a pivotal moment in life. The narrator feels they’ve missed out on something important and now grapples with feelings of loneliness and embarrassment. This reflects a universal experience of young people trying to find their place in the world, dealing with awkwardness and self-doubt.

Verse 1

I skipped my high school prom
Now that part of me is gone
So I don't pick up my calls
At all, at all

In this opening verse, the narrator immediately sets a tone of regret. Skipping prom represents more than just a missed event; it symbolizes a lost opportunity to connect with peers. The line about not picking up calls shows a deeper sense of isolation. It's like they’re pulling away from friends, reflecting a feeling that they’ve lost a part of themselves.

Chorus

And maybe, just maybe, I'm wrong
Or maybe I'm right and I won't see them for the rest of my life
Remember that night? When things were alright and
I wasn't there and y'all didn't care

The chorus reveals the inner conflict of the narrator. They’re unsure if their feelings are justified or if they’re overreacting. Remembering a time when things felt good highlights a stark contrast to their current loneliness. The mention of friends not caring adds to the pain, showing how disconnected they feel from those they once relied on.

Verse 2

To text or call or anything in the
Slightest, I told you that I don't mind it
The look on my face said, "I'm lying, I'm lying" like
Oh, oh, why do I do that?

In this verse, the narrator acknowledges their feelings of neglect. They say they don’t mind being left out, but their expression betrays them. This internal struggle is common in friendships, where people often hide their true feelings to protect themselves. The repetition of "I'm lying" emphasizes the disconnect between what they say and what they feel.

Chorus

Oh, oh, why do I do that?
Oh, oh, why do I do that?
To myself, to everyone else
To my friends and everyone in between

This chorus repeats the narrator's frustration with themselves. They’re questioning their behavior and the way they interact with others. It highlights an awareness of their complications in relationships. This self-reflection can be relatable for anyone who has felt similar pressures.

Bridge

One day, I'll be the king of something
One day, I'll be the queen of something
Right now, I'm just the king of nothing
Right now, I'm just the queen of nothing

The bridge introduces a glimmer of hope amidst despair. The narrator dreams of future accomplishments but feels stuck in the present. The phrases "king of nothing" and "queen of nothing" convey a sense of emptiness. It shows the struggle between aspirations and current reality, a feeling that many young people face while trying to find their identity.

Verse 3

Hide my face, can't be seen in public
Hide my face 'cause I know I'm blushing
I'm embarrassed so I just stay at my parents' house
I'm terrified of my hometown, I'm petrified I've let them down

In this verse, the narrator expresses shame and anxiety. Hiding their face suggests they’re not ready to confront the world. Staying at their parents' house indicates a retreat into safety, away from judgment. Fear of disappointing their hometown adds to their distress, showing the pressure they feel to meet expectations.

Chorus

I didn't want to go, I just feel
Slighted, I told you that I don't mind it
The look on my face said, "I'm lying, I'm lying" like
Oh, oh, why do I do that?

This chorus echoes earlier sentiments, reinforcing the narrator's internal conflict. They didn’t want to attend the prom but still feel slighted by their friends. The repetition of feeling like they’re lying emphasizes how hard it is to be genuine about their feelings.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, "the prom" by glaive captures the essence of growing up and dealing with regret and isolation. The song speaks to the heart of young people who often feel lost between expectations and reality. It’s a poignant reminder that it’s okay to feel complicated emotions and that many share similar struggles. The blend of regret, longing, and hope makes it relatable and impactful.