I know I get pretty emotional over musicians and shows, but the last time I cried over a music video is a time I can’t even recall. There’s been some tearjerkers, but none that spoke to me like The Wonder Years’ “There, There”. The tune is the opening track to their latest album, “The Greatest Generation” and has become an iconic anthem throughout the pop punk community. The video is particularly touching. With Dan “Soupy” Campbell up close and personal from the start, it bores into the soul and makes you just feel.
I love how parts of the faces are interchanged, and in stop motion. It definitely makes this one of their more ‘artsy’ music videos because it’s creative and strange, and jarrs the brain a bit. It’s a good thing though, especially since no one really saw this music vid coming. Typically TWY has only made videos for their more popular singles, but this is something new.
The concept of cutting hearts into all the shirts on the clothing line is beautiful. Along with the matching lyrics, “I’m sorry I don’t laugh at the right times. Is this what it feels like with my wings clipped? I’m awkward and nervous,” the reveal of that symbol of love and positivity is genuinely what the band is all about. Their sense of humour about it is admirable too, and that’s why so many people have latched onto this band as a beacon of hope, more or less. Their whole “half pop punk half anxiety” shtick is not only lighthearted but also a message that Soupy puts out through his heartfelt lyrics that he, too, struggles and isn’t afraid to admit and ask for help, but also acknowledge his own faults.
This video was incredibly powerful. It’s simple and straightforward, which is exactly what makes it so successful. “I’m sorry I don’t laugh at the right times,” an iconic line from this album, weighs it down and drives home the point that no matter what, there is love.