The Golden Age
Beck Lyrics


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Put your hands on the wheel
Let the golden age begin
Let the window down
Feel the moonlight on your skin
Let the desert wind
Cool your aching head
Let the weight of the world
Drift away instead

These day I barely get by
I don't even try

It's a treacherous road
With a desolated view
There's distant lights
But here they're far and few
And the sun don't shine
Even when its day
You gotta drive all night
Just to feel like you're ok





These days I barely get by
I don't even try

Overall Meaning

The above lyrics seem to be a call to action for the listener to take control of their life and let go of the "weight of the world". The first verse suggests a freeing feeling of driving on an open road with the moonlight on your skin and the wind in your hair. It encourages the listener to take a break and make time for themselves, to escape from the pressures of daily life. The lyrics suggest that by doing so, one can find peace and release from their problems.


The second verse, however, presents a different perspective. It highlights the difficulties and challenges of life, specifically on a challenging and isolated road. The lyrics create a sense of loneliness and weight that is difficult to escape. The last line, "These days I barely get by, I don't even try," suggests a feeling of defeat and maybe even depression. However, the juxtaposition of both verses may highlight the need to take control of our own lives, even when things get tough.


Overall, the lyrics present a powerful message of recognition that life can be challenging, but it is important to take a step back and make time for oneself. This theme is reflected in the song's title- "The Golden Age"- suggesting that the "golden age" is a mindset where one can escape the difficulties of the present.


Line by Line Meaning

Put your hands on the wheel
Take control of your life and aim for what you want


Let the golden age begin
Start fresh and renew your hope for a better life


Let the window down
Be open to new experiences and perspectives on life


Feel the moonlight on your skin
Discover the beauty in the world around you and appreciate it


Let the desert wind
Find peace and calmness in the midst of chaos


Cool your aching head
Take a break and relax to relieve stress


Let the weight of the world
Let go of your burdens and worries


Drift away instead
Allow yourself to dream and escape reality


These days I barely get by
Life has been difficult lately and I'm struggling to cope


I don't even try
I've given up on trying to improve my situation


It's a treacherous road
Life is full of obstacles and challenges that must be overcome


With a desolated view
The future seems bleak and hopeless


There's distant lights
There's hope for a better life, but it's far away and hard to reach


But here they're far and few
Opportunities for good things in life are rare where I am now


And the sun don't shine
Even in the daytime, life can feel dark and gloomy


Even when its day
Things can still be bleak even when it's supposed to be a good time


You gotta drive all night
It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve your goals


Just to feel like you're ok
Sometimes, it takes a lot of effort just to feel normal and not overwhelmed




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Beck Hansen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@MichaelLMe

Put your hands on the wheel
Let the golden age begin
Let the window down
Feel the moonlight on your skin
Let the desert wind
Cool your aching head
Let the weight of the world
Drift away instead

These day I barely get by
I don't even try

It's a treacherous road
With a desolated view
There's distant lights
But here they're far and few
And the sun don't shine
Even when its day
You gotta drive all night
Just to feel like you're ok

These days I barely get by
I don't even try



All comments from YouTube:

@leachristine5264

My dad passed a day ago. Last year he discovered this song, he was a huge music aficionado. It's easier to list what classic bands he did not see. The stones to Nirvana, He rarely found new music up to his par because "hes heard it all" but he found this beck song and urged me to hear it. Hed loop it all the time. He loved it and thought Beck was a genius. I'm laying in his bed unable to sleep playing this. I hope he can hear it. This is the only song that hasn't made me cry in 24 hours (and I just sobbed at Gagas new pop song for christ's sake). Thank you Beck.

@complexlittlepirate3589

Oh Lee, what a very sad and very, very beautiful story. You poor thing, so unspeakably hard to lose your precious Dad. Bless you, and I'm moved to know that this amazing, profound song became just one more special bond keeping you and him close together. Take care x

@leachristine5264

@@complexlittlepirate3589 thank you so much.... hug

@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017

Mutations is a great album as well. Sad but also very beautiful. Your dad sounds cool as hell. ❤️

@06hatter

if you like this, check out the flaming lips song "five stop mother superior rain"

@ricksamericana749

Your dad sounds like a good guy. One that I would have liked to talk to maybe we're at the same concert once. I am sorry for your loss, Lea.

56 More Replies...

@deanmuchmore5517

This album literally kept me sane in Iraq more than once.

@lefreakful

Sea Change is the most beautiful depressive album ever. I love Beck!

@K.D.Fischer_HEPHY

It is the only Album i had on my first cell phone for 5 years up to this day. The phone is dead, the music lives.

@nesliiozv331

Depresyon değil ! Music happy 😃🤗🕰️🌎🧖🙋⚖️🌕🌠🤺

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