Over the Garden Wall is an animated television miniseries that premiered on Cartoon Network in 2014. The show follows two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, as they journey through a mysterious forest called the Unknown in order to find their way home. The show features a haunting and beautiful soundtrack, with one of the standout songs being "Into the Unknown."
The Lyrics
The lyrics to "Into the Unknown" are as follows:
"Into the Unknown, Into the Unknown,
Into the Unknown, Into the Unknown,
Into the Unknown, Into the Unknown,
Into the Unknown, Into the Unknown,
Into the Unknown, Into the Unknown,
Into the Unknown, Into the Unknown,
Into the Unknown, Into the Unknown,
Into the Unknown, Into the Unknown,
What do you want? 'Cause you've been keeping me awake
Are you here to distract me so I make a big mistake?
Or are you someone out there who's a little bit like me?
Who knows deep down I'm not where I'm meant to be?
Every day's a little harder as I feel my power grow
Don't you know there's part of me that longs to go
Into the Unknown?
Into the Unknown?
Into the Unknown?
"
The Meaning
The lyrics to "Into the Unknown" are open to interpretation, but they can be seen as a representation of the main characters' journey through the Unknown. The repeated phrase "Into the Unknown" signifies their uncertainty and fear as they venture deeper into the forest, while the lines "Are you here to distract me so I make a big mistake?" and "Who knows deep down I'm not where I'm meant to be?" suggest a sense of displacement and confusion.
The final lines of the song, "Don't you know there's part of me that longs to go/Into the Unknown?" can be viewed as a call to adventure and a desire to explore the world around them, even if it means facing danger and uncertainty.
The Singer
The singer of "Into the Unknown" is actually a character in the show named Lorna, who is voiced by singer and actress Jack Jones. Jones also performs several other songs in the series, including "Over the Garden Wall," "Potatoes and Molasses," and "The Beast Is Out There."
The Reception
"Into the Unknown" has been praised for its haunting and atmospheric quality, with many fans of the show citing it as one of their favorite moments. The song has also been covered by various artists, including Panic! at the Disco's Brendon Urie for the Frozen 2 soundtrack.
The Legacy
While Over the Garden Wall only ran for one season, it has gained a cult following and is often cited as one of the best animated series of the past decade. The show's soundtrack, including "Into the Unknown," has been praised for its unique and ethereal quality, and has helped to cement the show's status as a modern classic.
Conclusion
"Into the Unknown" is a haunting and beautiful song from the animated series Over the Garden Wall. Its lyrics and melody capture the sense of uncertainty and fear that the main characters experience as they journey through a mysterious forest, while also hinting at a desire to explore and discover the world around them. The song has become a fan favorite and has helped to establish the show's status as a modern classic.