Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Second Child, Restless Child” by The Oh Hellos
Second Child, Restless Child by The Oh Hellos is a folk song that focuses on the anxiety and restlessness that can accompany feeling like an afterthought. The song begins by expressing that second position can be hard, but that ‘we’ll get by’. It reflects on a childhood full of insecurity and an attempt to find solace in the idea of being special, saying ‘try to feel like something special’. This line reflects the search for validation and justification for the feeling of being the second child, seeking to quell the pain of feeling unsupported and forgotten.
The song acknowledges that the restless angst will never truly go away, but express hope in finding that “comfort in breakin’ free”. This reflects the idea of moving away from seeking validation and external sources of approval, to embracing one’s own freedom and autonomy. This speaks to the idea of finding acceptance in accepting one’s self, regardless of their place in the line-up. It speaks to the idea of finding strength through the recognition of unique qualities and power within each individual.
The last line summarizes the entire song: “we’ll be strong in our own soul”. Through different experiences, this song serves as a reminder of the importance of self-love and acceptance. It emphasizes that although we can never fully erase the anxiety that comes with an uncertain place in the world, we can use that feeling to empower ourselves and use it to give us strength and courage. The song is ultimately a reminder to recognize that although life may feel like a ‘second child’, there is the potential to break free and live our lives on our own terms.