Lake Michigan
Rogue Wave/MusicFire.in Lyrics

The first verse of Rogue Wave’s “Lake Michigan” seems to be tackling societal issues from an antagonistic perspective. “Heaven is a switchboard that you want to fight” hints at frustration with the concept of paradise being something that can only be reached after death, while there are so many suffering in the world. The second line, “she would even miss you if you taught her sight”, could be a commentary on how people tend to cling to their own perspectives, even when evidence is presented that contradicts them. “Power politician leaning to the right” seems to be a comment on conservative politicians, perhaps criticizing those in power who maintain the status quo instead of pushing for progress. The final line, “baby's got a trust fund that she'll want to go off like that” could be interpreted as a general criticism of those who have privilege bestowed upon them without having to work for it, who use their wealth and status for selfish purposes.

The second verse’s first line, “now we wear same-colored yellow uniforms” is an intriguing line that could hold many meanings. “Sky is burning but at least we're warm” seems to indicate a sense of being trapped, or a reluctance to change even if the current state of affairs is harmful. “Go and run yourself a million miles/ hoping that the colors run out/ and you go off like that” could be a comment on the futility of exerting oneself for a cause that doesn’t result in any real change. The repetition of “get off of my stack/ leave a little window” could be interpreted as a plea for space, a desire to be left alone to figure things out on one’s own terms.

The final two lines, “you can never see yourself/ ringing all around it” could be interpreted as commenting on the difficulty of seeing oneself objectively. The final verse, “not another payoff/ get off of my stack/ you know it won't do” could be a call to action, a plea to move past the current state of affairs and make real, meaningful change.