Inspiration Behind Wasting Away:
The lyrics to Wasting Away would have fit into making New Year Resolutions, but this song addresses how people put off following their dreams. Instead of taking a chance to risk failure, fear is preventing action causing individuals to become idle. Tonight Alive attempts to inspire listeners to press beyond their emotional struggles to make their dreams comes true. This journey begins by setting daily goals that will lead an individual toward the desires on their heart.
Biblical Application:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-2.
Exegesis of Wasting Away:
And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
The lyrics begin with a moment of reflection. This quickly vanishes as the fast pace of life is preventing time to dream. But the reality of this situation is the act of procrastinating.
Don’t tell me it’s too hard
You were never there from the start
I’m not about to give this up
Giving up was never enough, no
Excuses aren’t productive. You can’t say it’s too hard as you just got here. I’m not listening to your negativity. Giving up my dreams was never an option.
And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
And so the sky, it watched my dreams
Fall to pieces right in front of me
‘Cause I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
This extended chorus urges listeners to stop standing around and start following your dreams.
And I never wished for anything more
Than to find what I’ve been looking for
And I swore to myself, I wouldn’t lie to myself
How could I let this happen?
So I pull myself aside
Take the time you tell myself it’s alright
‘Cause you weren’t there to dry my eyes
Dallas is talking about a friend, family member or partner who hasn’t been with her as she has tried to follow her dreams.
And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
And so the sky, it watched my dreams
Fall to pieces right in front of me
‘Cause I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
Don’t just watch as your dreams are falling apart. Do something now, get involved and avoid useless excuses.
I’m wasting, wasting away
I’m wasting, I’m wasting away
Talking about wasting time isn’t helping your situation.
And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
Slow down, set goals and start facing your fear of failure.
And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
And so the sky it watched my dreams
Fall to pieces right in front of me
‘Cause I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
Wasting, wasting away, away
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting a different result. Wasting away in idleness isn’t going to make your dreams come true. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and start taking action.
Final Thoughts:
I am a big believer in following your dreams. I’ve written 4 screen plays and have an outline for a fifth. Meanwhile, I am creating an outline to turn one of these movies into a book. While I may not find a producer or publisher in my lifetime, at least I can say I accomplished these works of art. Don’t be an observer; be an active participate.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 