So Young So Wrong So Long
Youth's Echo: Reflections on Mistakes, Growth, and a Burned-out Star
Lyrics
This teenage kid, I almost ran and hid
The singer, as a teenager, felt a desire to avoid an encounter with someone.
When he says to me I recognize you from TV
A teenage kid recognizes the singer from television, which the singer doesn't want to be reminded of.
(You're all that I don't want to be)
Expresses a feeling of not wanting to embody the characteristics or image portrayed on TV.
Be aware that I really use to care
The singer used to care about things, indicating a change or loss of that care.
I'm no grocer of despair, in fact I'm lighter than the air
The singer doesn't spread despair; in fact, they feel weightless and carefree.
And you're so young, so wrong, so so long
Commenting on the youth's misguidedness and prolonged misunderstanding.
Epitaph, a hostage to his craft
Reference to the end of a person's career or abilities due to being confined by their craft.
His talent down the drain
The person's talent has been wasted or lost.
Spent his whole life on the train
Life spent pursuing something, likened to a futile journey.
(Just to get out of the rain)
A metaphorical expression about trying to escape difficulties or problems.
Rain came down and washed away my youth
Aging and the passage of time symbolized by the rain washing away youthful exuberance.
You thought that it would last
An acknowledgment that the youthful phase is temporary.
You thought it was the truth
Belief in something as truth during youth but realizing its impermanence or falsehood later.
But you're so young, so wrong, so so long
Reiterating the youth's mistakes and long-lasting misconceptions.
I read your book and I stole your look
The singer imitated or copied someone else, perhaps to an extent of resembling their father.
And now it's sad how much like dad
Comparing oneself to another who was once a shining star but is now fading or exhausted.
You are a star who's burning out
Recognition that the person's stardom or brilliance is diminishing.
No doubt, you burned out long ago
Confirming the person's burnout happened a long time ago.
You know, you once stole the show
Reflection on the person's past success in captivating an audience.
But now you steal my youth
Feeling that someone else's decline is consuming the youthfulness of the singer.
Just to keep yourself alive, you are me at thirty-five
Comparison between the person's current state and the singer's projected self at 35, possibly indicating a warning or cautionary tale.
I thought it best not to hold him to my breast
Decision not to console or comfort someone directly.
And say, sunshine, I'm not the only one who's dying
Expressing a shared feeling of decline or mortality, suggesting empathy.
(Everything's going to be fine)
An attempt to reassure or comfort the person about the future.
Fine, instead I let it all go to my head
Allowing oneself to be affected by someone else's situation or story.
I leaned across and said "I too thought my soul was dead
Sharing a personal experience of feeling soulless but growing and learning from it.
But I was young, I was wrong, I grew up, I wrote this song
Reflecting on personal growth and the creation of this song as a testament to that growth.
You're so young, you're so wrong, so, so long"
Reiterating the youth's misjudgments and prolonged misunderstandings.
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