If you follow Houston-based pop punk band Waterparks on social media, you quickly get the impression that these guys take life pretty lightly, at least outwardly.
But in terms of music, Waterparks make thoughtful, real, and introspective songs, and “21 Questions” from their November 2016 album Double Dare is one of those.
The track is mostly acoustic, with Awsten Knight on guitar and vocals, expressing his doubts, questions, and concerns about a situation with a lover.
“I never have to
Carefully shape sentences
When I’ve got some words to say
They’re falling from my mouth from the time
That they hit my brain”
He’s clearly smitten and all-in with this person and finds himself comfortable being himself with them, but is also aware that they are already with someone else.
The clouds of doubt hover when he considers how it might be when/if they leave that partner for him. Will it be all sunshine-y with them together or would it go badly? Would that mean that he’d be in the guys position and they’d eventually leave him for someone else?
The pressure of concern relating to ‘then what?’ builds up progressively, ending up with Awsten being joined by bandmates Otto and Geoff for an energised finale.
The closing promise of “I’ll forget you if you need me to / like nothing ever happened” barely hides the heartache that that hypothetical outcome would bring.
Check out “21 Questions” with its new music video below.
[Band image of Waterparks by Taylore Moore.]
