The Trilogy Of Growing Up: The Upsides, Part I
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Trilogy Of Growing Up: The Upsides, Part I

"The Upsides" is a record about fighting back.

46
The Trilogy Of Growing Up: The Upsides, Part I
altpress.com

"I'm not sad anymore."

Growing up isn't easy. Figuring out who you are and where you fit in isn't easy. Battling anxiety and depression isn't something that you can s imply overcome in an evening. It takes time and hard workand maybe some of your best friends to figure it all out.

This week begins Part one of three in The Trilogy of Growing Up. The Trilogy is made up of three records by the Lansdale, Pa band, The Wonder Years. Anyone who is a fan of this band knows what I'm talking about when I mention the Trilogy. For those of you who aren't, the Trilogy goes through three minor themes in one overarching theme of anxiety and depression. Part one focuses on the TWY's second LP, "The Upsides."

"The Upsides" is a record about not giving up, about not letting life leaving you feeling defeated at a young age. The record kicks off with the first minor theme I mentioned earlier, I'm not sad anymore. Lead singer Dan "Soupy" Campbell said on the back of the record that the phrase, I'm not sad anymore, "...is a record about fighting back." That's exactly what "The Upsides" highlights. Fighting back.

This record is full of lines that tell you it's okay to be down, but you're going to get better. That it may be dark right now, but it’s going to get lighter, just wait around and see. To me, this shows the mindset of a lot of young adults in their early 20s, feeling like most every day is a bad day and not sure how we ended up so weak. Some of us aren't really sure what to do next or where to go or how to feel so we resign ourselves to accept being miserable and feeling so down. "The Upsides" tells us that we don't have to accept that fate. That we don't have to stay down or wait for someone to help us up. Soupy sings in the song "It's Never Sunny In South Philadelphia, Cause most days are bad days/ we can't wait for someone to pull me off of the concrete." This meaning you have to pick yourself up and stand on your own two feet.

The record also touches on the good and bad of relationships, with tracks "Melrose Diner" being more negative and "Hey Thanks" being more positive in nature. One of the last tracks on the records leaves a lasting impression that really is about standing up for yourself instead of staying down and defeated. "The whole world's full of losers/ if you get the chance to win take it." Why stay down if it means skipping out on a chance to get better? Dan goes on to sing that "if no one's in my corner, since everyone left/ I'd better make it worth it." That sometimes you have one chance to get something right or make a lasting impression. That even if you are all alone with no one at your back, that you should give it your all and make the most of an opportunity.

"The Upsides" is track for track a record that anyone can listen and relate to. Soupy translates every feeling you may have had about feeling defeated, feeling alone in your battles with anxiety and depression. "The Upsides" helps pick you up on a crappy day or in the middle of winter when you're walking across campus to class. "The Wonder Years" found a great starting place in dealing with anxiety and depression; getting off your ass and standing on your own two feet again.

I leave you with a picture of a passage on the record of "The Upsides." A note of sorts written by Dan Campbell.

Upsides Soupy Passage

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52365
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33643
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956417
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181275
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments