“Waving Through A Window” – Evan Hansen [Dear Evan Hansen]

I try to speak, but nobody can hear

So I wait around for an answer to appear

While I'm watch, watch, watching people pass

I'm waving through a window, oh

Can anybody see, is anybody waving back at me?

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(this is the second part of my review for Dear Evan Hansen – for full context, plot and reference read the first part here.)

This song can be considered as an introduction to who Evan Hansen is and his character. A teenager with anxieties who just wants to have friends. All his life he can only be seen in the background hoping that someday people will see him.

I first heard this song on YouTube and although the music is upbeat, I got teary-eyed. The words and the story behind it truly spoke to me about what I’m currently going through. My anxieties may not be as severe as what Evan has but I know that one way or another we also experienced how to be in a situation where you would often think what others might be thinking of you.

Going to the bridge part of the song is a famous riddle that if studied closely has a meaning connected to Evan’s struggle. The lyrics are:

"When you're falling in a forest and there's nobody around

Do you ever really crash, or even make a sound?"

The question above speaks in two ways. First, it speaks how Evan literally fell off from a tree and that nobody even noticed him and the second would be Evan was not really being heard when he tried to express his voice that is why he chooses to be silent or not to speak at all.

As I listened to this, I remember when I was still studying and trying to figure out my place and where should I fit in. Like most high school, we often see different cliques that are well-recognized in the campus. There are the pretty ones who are famous for their looks, the jocks who are known for their athletic abilities either a member of the school’s varsity team or cheerleading squad. Then there are the jokers who do pranks and the smart ones who aim to be the number one in class. But as I remember back then, I was not a member of either of these groups. I was this ordinary kid who just sits in class, making sure to submit all requirements on time and pass the subjects. I’m not that good-looking nor has a great physique, doesn’t have a high IQ and although I made some jokes here and there, I knew for a fact that popularity-wise – I’ll be at the bottom the list.

Just like Evan, I also dreamt of being “known” and to feel what it’s like to have other students look up to me and be their role model. That is why like Evan, I can say that I’m also waiving through a window; wanting to be seen, to be heard and be known.

This song expresses the internal conflict of a character who aspires to have a better life than what he used to be. It also reminds us to be more kind and be sensitive to the needs of others and let them know that they are important and acknowledged.

See other "Dear Evan Hansen" Reviews:

Part 1: "Dear Evan Hansen" - Musical Review

Part 3: "For Forever"

Part 4: "Words Fail"

Part 5: "You Will Be Found"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkknWLP0Xlo