Meaning of "Look What Happened" by Less Than Jake

"Look What Happened" by Less Than Jake explores themes of restlessness, dissatisfaction, and a longing for change. The lyrics depict a narrator who feels trapped or stuck in their current situation and expresses a strong desire to leave town. The repetition of phrases like "it's the last time" and "my last try" suggests a feeling of finality or urgency, as if the narrator has reached a breaking point and is determined to make a change. The mentioning of walking in circles and walking on cracks on the same old sidewalks implies a sense of monotony and repetitive behavior, symbolizing the narrator's dissatisfaction with their current routine.

The song also mentions driving around and moving past closed signs and familiar sights. This can be seen as a metaphor for searching for something new and exciting, possibly outside of the familiar confines of the current town. The buzzing signs and city lights add to the imagery of a bustling city and the desire for escape. The repetition of the phrase "And I swear it's the last time and I swear it's my last try" reflects the internal struggle of the narrator, who may be torn between their desire for change and a fear of the unknown.

The bridge that is mentioned in the lyrics can be interpreted as a metaphorical threshold between the old and the new, between the comfort of familiarity and the uncertainty of the future. The rooftops symbolize a higher perspective, a vantage point from which the narrator hopes for a different outcome or a better future. The mention of a car that they hope would never stop emphasizes the desire for continuous movement, hinting at a longing for an escape that is ongoing rather than temporary.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of missed opportunities and the uncertainty that comes with making a decision to leave. The mention of "20,000 lines left to go that lead to somewhere I don't know" emphasizes the unknown nature of the future and the fear and excitement that can accompany a major life change. The repetition of the phrase "we'll talk about leaving town" suggests a sense of hesitation and indecision, as if the narrator is constantly discussing the possibility of leaving but never actually following through.

Overall, "Look What Happened" delves into the internal struggle of wanting change and escape while grappling with fear and uncertainty. The lyrics capture the restlessness and dissatisfaction that can come from feeling trapped in a stagnant environment and hint at the desire for new experiences and a fresh start.