I couldn't stomach
The concept of 3 more years
Reading the books I already read
Went with the voice inside my head

I watched my friends pack up and leave town
Stood in the road felt the
Weight of all my indecision as it
Pulled me to the ground (but I've found)

This beating heart in my chest
Is the only fountain of youth that I'll ever now

I've made decisions and mistakes
Hung my head and kept it together when
Every one I know just fell in love
With being miserable

You're too young to live so apathetically
It's a wasted life spent trying to make a living
To sit at home and rot in front of your t.v.

This beating heart in my chest
Is the only fountain of youth that I'll ever now

The best advice I've ever got
Is what works for some
Doesn't work for everyone
Maybe not for you at all

And that beating heart in your chest
Is the only fountain of youth that you'll ever now

I've made decisions and mistakes
Hung my head and kept it together when
Every one I know just fell in love
With being miserable

I woke up feeling worthless
All I know is I can't afford
Too many more days living this way.

Overall Meaning

"Harvard On the Hudson" by With the Punches is a song about making tough decisions and finding your own path in life. The song paints a picture of a young person who is struggling to find direction in their life and feels trapped by the expectations of others. The opening lines set the tone for the song as the singer expresses their frustration with the idea of spending three more years in school, reading the same books they have already read. The singer ultimately decides to follow their instincts and to trust the voice inside their head rather than conforming to the expectations of others.

The second verse describes the singer's feelings of indecision and the weight of that indecision as it pulls them down. The singer contrasts their own journey with that of their friends who are leaving town, suggesting that their own journey is not as straightforward or clear-cut as their friends'. However, despite the challenges and setbacks, the singer finds solace in the beating heart in their chest, which they describe as the only fountain of youth they will ever know. The song ends with the singer acknowledging that they have made mistakes, but that they have also hung their head and kept it together when others have fallen in love with being miserable.

Overall, "Harvard On the Hudson" is a song that celebrates individualism and encourages listeners to find their own way in life. The lyrics suggest that following your instincts and trusting your own judgment is the key to living a fulfilling life.

Line by Line Meaning

I couldn't stomach
I couldn't handle or accept

The concept of 3 more years
The idea of studying for 3 more years

Reading the books I already read
Going through books that are already familiar

Went with the voice inside my head
Followed my inner thoughts/instincts

I watched my friends pack up and leave town
Observed my friends leaving

Stood in the road felt the
Felt the weight, the burden

Weight of all my indecision as it
The pressure of not being able to decide

Pulled me to the ground (but I've found)
Made me feel defeated (but I realized)

This beating heart in my chest
The passion, motivation inside of me

Is the only fountain of youth that I'll ever now
Is the only thing that keeps me young and alive

I've made decisions and mistakes
I've made choices and learned from them