Sounds like: post-relationships being taken to pieces, bit by bit, late into the night, a glass and fag on the go... (from ASTB myspace)
Old Enough to Know
At Swim Two Birds Lyrics
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When the pain dies down, when the hate subsides
My thoughts will soon return to ???
Wash and cook for me, slowly fuck for me
Manage all of life's transactions
Hear my mind tirades, tolerate mistakes
Give me space and let me abuse you
Come to smother me, sugar daddy me
Watch me helpless as my nerves change
Piss off and anger me, slowly strangle me
Then pay my fare to Eastern Europe
Watch my demeanor wax and wane
As my ambition fades
I am moving on and you can't stop me
The lyrics to "Old Enough to Know" by At Swim Two Birds seem to be exploring the power dynamics in a romantic relationship between a younger and an older partner. The first line, "You are young and I am old enough to know," immediately establishes the difference in ages and suggests that the older partner has more life experience and wisdom.
The second line, "When the pain dies down, when the hate subsides, my thoughts will soon return to..." leaves an open-ended question, making the listener wonder what exactly the lyrics are referring to. This ambiguity allows for interpretation and speculation from the listener.
The following lines, "Wash and cook for me, slowly fuck for me, manage all of life's transactions, hear my mind tirades, tolerate mistakes, give me space and let me abuse you," paint a picture of a relationship where the older partner is in control and the younger partner is expected to submit to their demands and tolerate their abusive behavior. The line "give me space and let me abuse you" is particularly disturbing as it suggests that the older partner is aware of their abusive behavior and is using it as a tool to maintain control.
The next few lines, "Come to smother me, sugar daddy me, watch me helpless as my nerves change, piss off and anger me, slowly strangle me, then pay my fare to Eastern Europe," continue to depict a toxic and dysfunctional relationship where the younger partner is dependent on the older partner for financial support and the older partner enjoys exerting their power and control.
The final lines, "Watch my demeanor wax and wane, as my ambition fades, I am moving on and you can't stop me," signal the younger partner's realization that they cannot continue in this destructive relationship and are ready to move on and assert their independence.
Overall, "Old Enough to Know" is a haunting commentary on power dynamics and abuse in romantic relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
You are young and I am old enough to know
I am more experienced, and I understand the world better than you do
When the pain dies down, when the hate subsides
When I am not angry or upset anymore
My thoughts will soon return to ???
I will resume thinking about something that's bothering me, but I am not sure what it is
Wash and cook for me, slowly fuck for me
I expect you to serve me both domestically and sexually
Manage all of life's transactions
Take care of all the logistical aspects of my life
Hear my mind tirades, tolerate mistakes
Listen to my angry outbursts, and forgive me when I make mistakes
Give me space and let me abuse you
I expect you to let me treat you badly, and not fight back or try to leave
Come to smother me, sugar daddy me
Provide me with emotional support and money, like a 'sugar daddy' would
Watch me helpless as my nerves change
See me become anxious and upset, and be unable to help me
Piss off and anger me, slowly strangle me
I want you to provoke, irritate, and hurt me
Then pay my fare to Eastern Europe
As a reward for your services, I will send you on a trip to Eastern Europe
Watch my demeanor wax and wane
Observe me change my attitude and behavior unpredictably
As my ambition fades
As I lose interest in pursuing my goals and dreams
I am moving on and you can't stop me
I am leaving you, and your attempts to hold me back are futile
Contributed by Hailey F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.