"Saved by a Waif" by Alvvays explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, societal pressures, and the desire to break free from expectations.
The song begins with the narrator reflecting on a new Saturday in the park, where they witness someone who seemed to have fallen hard and now seeks a fresh start. The mention of Adrian and the silver maple that never saw them coming implies a sense of surprise and sudden change in this person's life.
The pre-chorus suggests a desire to escape and avoid any potential harm or consequences. By staying where they are and stating what they are, the person hopes to protect themselves and others from getting hurt. It can also be interpreted as a plea to maintain stability and avoid causing any disruption.
The chorus portrays a physical transformation through cutting the hair, symbolizing a desire to shed old identities and embrace something new. However, the mention of looking like a little boy suggests a regression or loss of maturity in the process. Climbing the stairs and being unable to come down could represent the person being trapped in their own elevated aspirations or unreachable goals.
The following lines express a struggle between wanting to change and improve their life but feeling reluctant or unable to do so. Despite expressing a desire to get it together, the person seems to lack the motivation or commitment to follow through.
The bridge delves into the influence of external forces and societal expectations. The mention of wasting something and changing one's life suggests that the person feels pressure to make significant changes or take risks. The line about the mother wanting them to be a doctor echoes the strain of parental expectations. Additionally, the suggestion to try a new vocation implies the need to explore different paths beyond what is socially expected.
The repeated phrase "saved by a waif and the weight of your wayfarers" signifies finding salvation or liberation through unconventional means or through encountering someone who defies societal norms. The use of "wayfarers" potentially refers to both the sunglasses brand and the idea of wandering or seeking new horizons.
Overall, "Saved by a Waif" delves into the struggle between conforming to societal pressures and finding individual freedom, the conflict between desiring change and being held back by personal and external factors. It highlights the complexities of self-identity and the challenges of breaking free from expectations.