Young Man's Blues
Mose Allison Lyrics
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I said a young man, ain't got nothing in the world these days
Well you know in the old days
When a young man was a strong man
All the people the stepped back
When a young man walked by
But you know nowadays
It's the old man, he's got all the money
And a young man, ain't got nothing in the world these days, I say
They ain't got nothing
They got nothing, pissed off
Ooh yeah
Ahh, yeah
Get it!
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that a young man ain't got nothin
Oooh yeah
Ohhh, the young man
Get it
Everybody knows, everybody knows
In the old days
Everybody stepped back
When a young man walked, walked by
They stepped back
They stepped back
They stepped back
Nowadays if you're the young man
You ain't got nothing in the world these days, I said
You ain't got nothing
They got sweet fuck all
The lyrics of Mose Allison's song "Young Man's Blues" highlight the struggles faced by young people in modern society. The song contrasts the old days when young men were respected and admired for their strength and vigor to modern times where the old man has all the money and the young man is left with nothing. In the past, people would step back in awe and respect when a young man walked by, and the young man had a sense of purpose and hope. However, in modern society, the young man is disillusioned and frustrated with the lack of opportunities and success.
The song's chorus emphasizes that the young man "ain't got nothing in the world these days." This line is repeated throughout the song to underline the lack of prospects for the younger generation. The frustration is evident when the lyrics say, "They got sweet fuck all," which is a colloquial term that means nothing. The anger is also reflected in the song's rhythm and melody, which is fast-paced and high-energy.
The song serves as a commentary on the social and economic changes happening in America at the time it was written. Allison's lyrics paint a picture of a generation struggling to find opportunities and success despite their energy, passion, and potential. The song highlights the generational gap between young people and their elders, as well as the economic struggles faced by young people during the time when the song was released.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, well, a young man, ain't got nothing in the world these days
In the present times, a young man has nothing of value in the society.
I said a young man, ain't got nothing in the world these days
Re-asserting the point that young men are deprived of everything in the current generation.
Well you know in the old days
Reflecting upon the fact that things were different in earlier times.
When a young man was a strong man
In the olden times, young men were physically powerful and dominant.
All the people the stepped back
In the presence of a strong young man, everybody else would retreat.
When a young man walked by
Merely the presence of a young man in the past would make everyone take notice.
But you know nowadays
However, the current era has dramatically different values and situations.
It's the old man, he's got all the money
The society prioritizes the wealth and experiences of the old men over young men.
And a young man, ain't got nothing in the world these days, I say
The song reiterates how young men are stripped of everything in today's times.
They ain't got nothing
Young men do not possess anything significant in the contemporary world.
They got nothing, pissed off
Young men feel frustrated and angry due to the lack of opportunities and recognition.
Ooh yeah
It's an expressive exclamation that adds to the song's mood.
Ahh, yeah
Repeating the earlier sentiment in a different tone.
Get it!
An interjection to emphasize the sense of urgency in the lyrics.
Everybody knows
The idea expressed in the lyrics is evident to everyone.
Everybody knows
Repeating the above line to reinforce the message.
Everybody knows
Once more, reiterating the message.
Everybody knows that a young man ain't got nothin
Everyone is aware that young men lack opportunities and status in contemporary times.
Oooh yeah
An emotional exclamation that complements the song's meaning.
Ohhh, the young man
A sentiment that offers empathy towards the plight of the young generation.
Get it
Encouraging the listener to understand the message within the lyrics.
Everybody knows, everybody knows
Repeating the sentiment from earlier lines to emphasize its significance.
In the old days
Back in the days gone by, things were vastly different.
Everybody stepped back
People would retreat or step away in the presence of a dominant young man in the past.
When a young man walked, walked by
Simply walking by was enough for young men to command respect.
They stepped back
Reiterating the fact from earlier lines.
They stepped back
Once again, emphasizing how people reacted differently to young men in the past.
They stepped back
Repeating the same sentiment yet again to reinforce the message further.
Nowadays if you're the young man
In contrast to earlier times, presently, young men experience a completely different scenario.
You ain't got nothing in the world these days, I said
The song continues to emphasize the dire situation that young men face today.
You ain't got nothing
The words are repeated to make the message clearer and more forceful.
They got sweet fuck all
Young men are left with nothing in contemporary times - not even basic necessities.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ALLISON, MOSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind