Young Man in America
Journey of a Young Man: A Tale of Hunger, Rebellion, and Redemption
Lyrics
My mother gave a mighty shout
Expressing the intensity of the mother's delivery, a powerful moment.
Opened her legs and let me out
Describing the act of birth, emphasizing the mother's role in bringing the speaker into the world.
Hungry as a prairie dog
Metaphorically comparing the speaker's early hunger to that of a prairie dog.
Young man in America, young man in America
Repeating the phrase "Young man in America," indicating the central theme of the song.
Hungry, hungry, runnin' every which way
Emphasizing the restless and directionless nature of the speaker's youth.
Young man in America
Reiterating the identity of the central character as a young man in America.
I come out like a cannonball
Describing the forceful entrance into the world, suggesting a dynamic and impactful arrival.
Come of age with alcohol, raven in a field of rye
Highlighting the coming of age, influenced by alcohol, and the rebellious spirit with a roving eye.
With a black and rovin' eye, black and rovin' eye
Describing the speaker with a black and roving eye, emphasizing a wild and untamed nature.
Ravenous, ravenous, what you got, it's not enough
Expressing insatiable hunger and dissatisfaction with what life has offered so far.
Young man in America
Reaffirming the identity of the speaker as a young man in America.
Oh, shelter, mother shelter, mother shelter us, ooh
Calling for shelter and protection, possibly referencing the challenges the speaker faces.
My father was a lord of land
Contrasting the father's status as a lord with the harsh reality of the speaker being put on the street.
My daddy was a repo man, put me out onto the street
Revealing the father's occupation as a repo man, contributing to the speaker's difficult upbringing.
Didn't give a damn for me, did not give a damn
Highlighting the father's lack of care for the speaker's well-being.
Daddy, daddy, gonna wish you never had me
Expressing a sense of regret or resentment towards the father.
I'm a young man
Affirming the speaker's identity as a young man in America.
I'm growin' right before your eyes
Describing the rapid growth and development of the speaker.
I might grow to such a size
Suggesting the potential for significant achievements and recognition.
Blow in like a hurricane, everyone'll know my name
Using a hurricane metaphor to convey the powerful impact the speaker aims to make.
Everyone'll know my name
Anticipating widespread recognition and fame.
Blowin' in, blowin' up, shadow on the mountaintop
Describing the speaker's rise with a shadow on the mountaintop, indicating challenges and obstacles.
Young man in America
Reiterating the identity of the central character as a young man in America.
Oh, shepherd, father shepherd, father shepherd us, ooh
Invoking a shepherd metaphor, possibly seeking guidance and protection.
In my feathers and furs, clothes of many colors
Describing the speaker adorned in diverse clothing, symbolizing a rich and varied life.
Many men will envy me when I'm in my finery, me in my finery
Anticipating envy from others due to the speaker's future success and prosperity.
Envy me, envy me, spendin' all my bright money
Highlighting the expenditure of the speaker's wealth.
Young man in America
Reiterating the identity of the central character as a young man in America.
Maybe I'll climb the stairs with a girl of golden hair
Contemplating a romantic connection with a girl with golden hair.
Hold her like a sword and shield, up against this lonely world
Symbolizing protection and companionship in the face of life's challenges.
Up against the world, it's a lonely, lonely world
Emphasizing the loneliness of the world and the need for companionship.
For a yellow-headed girl and a young man
Expressing a desire for connection and intimacy.
Like the wind I make my moan, I howl in the canyon
Using natural imagery to convey emotional pain and a sense of emptiness.
There's a hollow in my bones, makin' me cry and carry on
Describing internal struggles and emotional turmoil.
Make the foam fly from my tongue, make me want what I want
Expressing desires and yearnings.
Another wayward son waitin' on oblivion
Suggesting a sense of being lost or wayward.
Waitin' on the kingdom come to meet me in my sin
Waiting for redemption or salvation from sin.
Waitin' to be born again, mother, kiss me cheek and chin
Yearning for maternal affection and comfort.
Mmm, a little medicine, mmm, and I shed my skin
Referencing a transformative experience or healing.
Mmm, and lemme climb back in the bed you made me in
Expressing a desire to return to a state of comfort or security.
Comment