Hope

Album: Milo Goes To College (1982)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This two-minute punk rocker from the Los Angeles-based Descendents is about a guy who's in love with a girl, but she doesn't see it because she is blinded by her boyfriend, who treats her like garbage. He's been friend-zoned, but still, he'll be there for her. Eventually she'll realize that he's the guy who cares for her and loves her and they will get together. At least that's his hope.
  • This song was written by Descendents lead singer Milo Aukerman. It's part of the group's first album, which is titled Milo Goes To College because he really was leaving the band for academic pursuits. Aukerman attended the University of California, San Diego, and became a biochemist at DuPont while also dabbling in the Descendents. The group released their next album (with Aukerman) in 1985.
  • In punk fashion, there is no chorus in this song and no instrumental breaks. The title doesn't show up in the lyrics either.
  • In a Songfacts interview with Milo Aukerman, he explained how he wrote this song with help from the group's drummer, Bill Stevenson: "I put together this chord progression or the series of chords, and I showed them to Bill and said, 'Here's my song.' Of course, realizing that a song needs lyrics, I just figured I'd show it to Bill, and he goes, 'Ah, I like that. It kind of inspires hope.' And I thought, 'Well, OK, that's the name of the song, 'Hope.'' And then I had to write lyrics along that theme. And as luck would have it, I was breaking up with my girlfriend at the time, so that provided a good theme for a song about hope."

Comments: 3

  • Henryincel song goes hard though
  • Torrey from Vista CaI love this song it is really good and helps you believe good can happen anywhere at anytime. It really does bring hope to the world
  • Mike from St.catharines, CanadaSublime Covered This Song On Their Album
    "40oz To Freedom"
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."