Meaning of "Wasted" by Cartel

The lyrics of "Wasted" delve into the harsh realities of life and the various ways in which people can feel wasted and unhappy. The song starts by showcasing the fragility of life, with the baby only having a few breaths left and the father receiving a troubling call in the middle of the night. It then moves on to highlight missed opportunities and the sacrifices people make, such as the father too focused on work to spend time with his son and the 18-year-old rushing to move out to escape his overbearing parents. As the song progresses, it emphasizes the weight of responsibility that can weigh people down and make them feel alone despite being surrounded by others. The lyrics suggest that living a life solely based on principles and not pursuing personal happiness can lead to a wasted existence. The artist questions whether, when they reach the age of 32, they will also feel miserable and unfulfilled. The overall message of the song seems to convey a sense of longing for connection, fulfillment, and purpose in life, urging listeners to avoid wasting their lives on things that don't truly matter.