The writers describe this song not even as an opening number, but an introduction to the characters and plot.

The audience is introduced to not only main character Evan Hansen, but also to his mother, Heidi. Heidi is a single mom working two jobs, going to law school, and trying to hold on to the memories she and Evan had during his childhood. Evan’s father left the family when Evan was 7 years old, so Heidi is struggling to be both a mother and a father to Evan while also doing what she needs to do for herself. This puts some excess strain on their relationship.

This song also introduces the Murphy family, mostly focusing on Cynthia, who is also a struggling mom trying to connect to her two kids, Zoe and Connor. Zoe is a teenage girl struggling with teenage emotions and falling out of touch with the rest of her family, especially with her brother. Connor is struggling with depression and the feeling that he is for the most part alone, because he has no friends and his family seems to not understand him.

This song is basically about how Heidi and Cynthia deal with the distance that is growing between them and their families. They wonder if there is some kind of hidden instruction book that they have yet to find, perhaps a map?