Meaning of "Expectations" by Three Days Grace

"Expectations" explores the theme of shattered dreams and the harsh realities of life. The song begins with the story of a young and innocent girl who dreams of fame and success, represented by becoming a Prom Queen or Miss America. However, as time progresses, her situation takes a drastic turn. She becomes a runaway and finds herself in trouble with the law, escaping from her small town in search of a better life. The expectations she once had are ultimately crushed as she realizes there is no glamorous big screen waiting for her.

The second verse introduces another character who starts off as innocent and hopeful but falls into a life of hustling on the streets. This person also dreams of a better life but ends up crashing with a deadbeat and living on a loveseat. Once again, the expectations of a bright future are shattered as the person realizes their dreams were nothing more than a pipe dream.

The final verse tells the story of a rich girl who buys a lottery ticket, hoping to change her life forever. However, her expectations are crushed when she falls asleep and her boyfriend takes advantage of the situation, leaving with the winning ticket and a dream come true. This highlights the theme that even those who initially seem to have everything can face disappointment and betrayal.

Overall, "Expectations" conveys the message that life rarely lives up to our expectations, and the dreams we cling to often lead to disillusionment. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing too much hope in external factors such as fame, success, and wealth.