Meaning of "Station Waggin" by Pretty Balanced

"Station Waggin" explores the theme of independence and the bittersweet process of leaving the safety of home to forge one's own path. Erica, a young adult, yearns to escape the confines of her childhood home. The line "She'd punch them in the trunk of the station wagon" suggests her desire to leave behind everything she knows and carry it with her, symbolically folding her familiar world into her pocketbook. This desire for new experiences and a fresh start is further emphasized by her wish to be "far away from home" by the weekend's end.

However, as Erica embarks on her journey, she realizes the challenges and insecurities that come with independence. Being "lost without her mental map" represents the uncertainty and disorientation that often accompany stepping into the unknown. The absence of a "couch, or car, or friend" highlights her newfound solitude and the absence of the comforts she has grown accustomed to.

As the song progresses, Erica's growth is emphasized. She is now armed with a high school diploma, venturing off to college ("quad all grass and brick and shady"). The line "Aren't you big enough to be a lady" suggests society's expectations for her as she enters adulthood. She now has the freedom to make her own choices and spend her own money. The mention of a "plastic dresser packed with ragged socks and underwear" portrays the practical aspects of living alone and taking care of oneself.

Overall, "Station Waggin" explores the complexities of leaving home and the mix of excitement and fear that accompanies newfound independence. It delves into the challenges of navigating a world that is unfamiliar and building a life away from the security of one's childhood.