Born in the '70s
Chronicles of a '70s Rebel: Ed Harcourt's Anthem to Living Against the Grain
Lyrics
I was born the year punk broke
I was born during the era when punk rock gained prominence.
Days before the king was dead
Shortly before a significant change or shift occurred.
It was the year of the snake
Referring to the Chinese zodiac, the year of the snake signifies transformation and rebirth.
I was a red-faced child
As a child, feeling embarrassed or flushed.
Who stumbled where he tread
Being clumsy or making mistakes in where one steps or goes.
Was kept in orderly file
Being organized or structured in a systematic way.
My parents name me Ed
My parents gave me the name Ed.
I tried my hardest to smile
Attempting to smile despite difficulties or challenges.
And like my daddy said
Similar to advice from my father.
I've tried to be myself
Striving to remain true to oneself.
Sometimes daydreaming for hours
Occasionally losing oneself in prolonged daydreams.
Wishing for a dangerous life
Desiring an adventurous or risky lifestyle.
Cut the leash some slack
Seeking freedom or independence from restrictions.
Run into the morning light
Running towards new beginnings or opportunities.
Race the trains by the track
Challenging oneself by racing against the passing of time.
Until my mouth feels dry
Continuing until feeling parched or exhausted.
But can you count on me?
Questioning one's reliability or dependability.
I might let you down
Admitting the possibility of disappointing someone.
In a world that is so sensational
Reflecting on a world filled with exaggerated and attention-grabbing events.
No you can count on me
Assuring dependability in the present moment.
I'm living for the now
Embracing the current time or the present.
Up against the older generation's wall
Feeling constrained by the beliefs or limitations of an older generation.
Born in the '70s
Being born in the 1970s, belonging to that particular generation.
Born in the '70s
Reiterating the fact of being born in the '70s.
After a length of time
After a period of time passing, becoming a caricature or an imitation.
You're this parody
Similar to a stuck record, repeating the same patterns or behaviors.
Just like the record's stuck
Continuously reliving past experiences or situations.
Always repeating the past
Repeating what was unsuccessful or unlikable before.
That never liked you before
Having no apparent reason to continue existing.
You had no reason to last
Engaged in an unspoken conflict or struggle.
We're in a silent war
Experiencing a clash of thoughts or ideas without words.
A telepathic blast
Feeling the impact of thoughts communicated without speech.
And like my daddy said
Referencing earlier advice from the father about exciting times.
These are exciting times
Excitement about the possibilities the future holds.
The future grabs my throat
Feeling the anticipation of what's to come.
And let's me know it's alright
Being reassured by the future that everything will be fine.
If I believe in love
Believing in both the positive and negative aspects of emotions.
Then I believe in hate too
Accepting the existence of darker emotions alongside love.
I'll taste the darker stuff
Willingness to explore deeper or more complex emotions.
To find some lasting truth
Seeking genuine and enduring truths through exploration.
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