Now You Know Better
Mondo Grosso Lyrics
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With a trusting believing everything you're told?
Anyone bigger must have been right
Even if they were wrong
You'd take what was given
You didn't know better
All your little mind could comprehend was goodness and truth
Even when the baddest things were being done to you
Ain't it a shame how you paid for your innocence
When you take what is given
You didn't know better 'bout...
Loving, cheating, people leaving
Dying, living, losing and forgiving
Growing, saying, knowing
Being who you are
What about the time when you became 16 years old?
With an unsure heart believing some of what you're told?
Wanting to be someone different
But there's pressure to be the same
Still you'd take what was given
You didn't know better
All that you could think was what you should or should not do
Every single insecurity was magnified for you
And suddenly you begin to feel
All the contradictions
But you take what was given
You didn't know better 'bout
Loving, cheating, people leaving
Dying, living, losing and forgiving
Growing, saying, knowing
Being who you are
Now here you are a little older than before
You've really been through it and you might go through some more
But if there is one precious thing you learn
It's that you can't just take what is given
'Cause now you know better
The song "Now You Know Better" by Mondo Grosso is a reflective piece that takes the listener through three different stages of life, using personal experiences to draw attention to the idea of growth and the importance of learning from past mistakes. The first verse describes the innocence and naivety of childhood, highlighting how easy it is to believe everything we're told and how difficult it can be to distinguish right from wrong, especially when it comes to the actions of those who are bigger and stronger than us. The chorus provides a list of different life experiences such as loving, cheating, losing, and forgiving that can be difficult to navigate without the knowledge and experience gained through personal growth.
The second verse focuses on the teenage years, a time where there is pressure to fit in with peers yet also a longing to stand out as an individual. This stage of life can be confusing and overwhelming, and the lyrics suggest that it's easy to follow the path laid out by others rather than forging your own unique journey. But even though insecurities are magnified, there is the potential for growth and the realization that life is full of contradictions.
The final verse brings us to the present, where the singer acknowledges that they've been through a lot and may experience more challenges in the future. But the key takeaway is that they've learned it's important to question what is given and not simply accept it as truth. The repeated line "now you know better" serves as a reminder that personal growth and learning from past mistakes is essential in navigating the ups and downs of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you remember when you were just 6 years old?
Reflecting on a time in childhood when innocence was prevalent and the world seemed simple.
With a trusting believing everything you're told?
Believing everything that is heard, without questions, because of the naivety of youth.
Anyone bigger must have been right
Trusting those who are older or larger, regardless of whether their actions are right or wrong.
Even if they were wrong
Despite the possibility of being misled, the unformed mind takes what is given without questioning it.
You'd take what was given
Accepting things as they are without analyzing their validity.
You didn't know better
The innocence of youth and lack of experience, is a recipe for naivety and simply going along with things.
All your little mind could comprehend was goodness and truth
Only being able to understand the concepts of what is good and true, which can lead to a simplistic view of the world.
Even when the baddest things were being done to you
Despite the wrongs done unto you, the innocence of youth relegates the individual to accepting them as just part of life.
Ain't it a shame how you paid for your innocence
The loss of childhood innocence can be seen as a tragedy, as the naivety of youth is replaced with caution and cynicism.
When you take what is given
Accepting things as they are without analyzing their validity.
You didn't know better 'bout...
The lack of an experienced, analytical mind can lead to a superficial understanding of life's complexities.
Loving, cheating, people leaving
Various life experiences such as love, deceit, and loss.
Dying, living, losing and forgiving
The harsh realities of life, as well as the good ones.
Growing, saying, knowing
The continuous process of growing and learning, and understanding one's own beliefs.
Being who you are
The realization that everyone is unique, and should hold on to their individuality.
What about the time when you became 16 years old?
Going through a transition from youth to young adult and the doubts and insecurities that arise.
With an unsure heart believing some of what you're told?
Experiencing the beginning of doubts and questioning about the world, but still hanging on to some childlike beliefs.
Wanting to be someone different
The pressure of trying to fit in and conform to societal norms.
But there's pressure to be the same
The pressure to conform to societal norms and be like everyone else.
Still you'd take what was given
Despite not being fully convinced, the individual still conforms and accepts things without questioning them.
You didn't know better
The fear of being different and not fitting in leads to accepting things that may be misleading or untrue.
All that you could think was what you should or should not do
The beginning of knowing that the world is complex, and the confusion in trying to navigate it properly.
Every single insecurity was magnified for you
The doubts and insecurities of adolescence are amplified due to the increased awareness and consciousness of the world that young adults are exposed to.
And suddenly you begin to feel
The gradual understanding of the complexities of life, rather than just accepting what is given.
All the contradictions
The world is full of complexities and contradictions, which can be overwhelming.
Because now you know better
Going through life experiences, gaining knowledge, and becoming more analytical has led to a better understanding of the world.
Now here you are a little older than before
Arriving at a point where there is more maturity, and greater ability to comprehend the world.
You've really been through it and you might go through some more
Experiencing the ups and downs of life and knowing that there will be more challenges in the future.
But if there is one precious thing you learn
The realization that life experiences have taught valuable lessons and have led to a better understanding of the world.
It's that you can't just take what is given
The importance of not accepting things as they are, but rather questioning and analyzing the validity of them.
'Cause now you know better
Through life experiences and personal growth, there is greater knowledge and analytical ability.
Writer(s): Larrieux Amel, Larrieux Guesly, Osawa, Shinichi
Contributed by Jordyn D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.