It’s official: I’m back in my Jonas Brothers phase. Honestly, I don’t think I ever left it. And in other news, I’m suddenly craving diner food. Jonas Brothers’ new single, “Waffle House,” is responsible for both reigniting my hunger and my crush on Nick. As the final song on their sixth studio album — which is appropriately titled The Album — “Waffle House” is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans.
The band has already made a splash in 2023 with their single, “Wings,” along with an iconic music video to accompany it. Released in late February, “Wings” was the first song to tease at the JoBro’s upcoming album. Unfortunately, you still have to wait until May for the whole album to drop. But at least you have these two singles to sing along to until then.
What does the song “Waffle House” mean?
Much like “Wings,” “Waffle House” is upbeat, electric, and totally dance-able. Beneath its peppy exterior, the meaning of the single is deeper than you’d assume. The song is surprisingly nostalgic, although the title might lead you to believe it’s just an advertisement. Leading up to the release of the “Waffle House,” the Jonas Brothers explained on Twitter what the song means to them.
“Growing up, we would go to Waffle House after shows, & it became our sanctuary,” the band wrote. “It was the place we dreamt up ideas, the place where we worked through our problems together, & the place where we finally realized we could find our way through anything as long as we came together.” No, I’m not crying. I just have something in my eye.
In the same Twitter thread, the Jonas Brothers went on to say, “‘Waffle House’ was born from a simple but powerful idea: When you sit down with the people that matter most, anything is possible. This song isn’t about a restaurant, it’s about coming together with the people you love and making your dreams come true.” This sentiment definitely shines through in the lyrics, which are sweeter than syrup. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
The chorus of the “Waffle House,” sung interchangeably by Nick and Joe, is where the heart of the song lives. As the trio revealed on Twitter, the single explores their sibling dynamic, especially in the early stages of their career. Lines like, “Headstrong father and determined mother / Oh, that’s why some nights, we tried to kill each other” give us insight into the brothers’ relationship, and how “deep conversations at the Waffle House” strengthened their bond.
If you have a sibling, the pre-chorus might resonate with you. In these verses, Joe and Nick sing, “’Cause if somethin’ misread / Or if somethin’ got said / Know before the night ends,” leading into the first line of the chorus, which states, “No, don’t get stressed, it’s gon’ get figured out.” Sibling rivalry is inevitable. There are days when you envy the life of a single child. But as the JoBros prove to fans, no amount of fights or bickering can break the ties between families. Maybe all you need is a Waffle House to remind you that you love each other.
The Album is set to drop on May 12. Until then, keep “Waffle House” on loop.