Meaning of "Sidewalk Annie" by The Wallflowers

"Sidewalk Annie" appears to depict a sense of abandonment and a loss of communication. The character of Sidewalk Annie is portrayed as a figure who once had a voice but now remains silent, with their whisper turning into a scream that goes unheard by others. The references to a broken windpipe, a howling wolf, and a nickel thrown into a wishing well all add to the theme of unfulfilled desires and broken connections. The image of a little girl in white ice skates wandering near old school gates suggests a longing for innocence lost or a return to a simpler time. Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of loneliness, nostalgia, and a struggle to be heard and understood in a world that seems indifferent.