Unlike most artists of his ilk, Khan’s primary instrument is guitar, and he claims listening to “mostly old-school” artists like B.B. King, Fleetwood Mac, and, Nirvana helped him develop his bluesy chops. He then turned to hip-hop (Earl Sweatshirt, Pusha T, and Danny Brown are current favorites), making beats on an MPC after hearing J Dilla, and putting them online. (“I had a couple of friends rap on those beats," he says, “but if Wu-Tang Clan were there, they would've absolutely killed it.”)
https://soundcloud.com/benkhan
Youth
Ben Khan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My memories retain us
With their vibrations
Intuition
From the starlight visions
I'm foolish
I'm so foolish
Soul sensations
I'm blessing for patience
Fetish in bristles
Thoughts in prison
Inhibitions
To us ain't wisdom
Your future's tainted
Darling, escape it
Tasteless
We are so tasteless
But we're healing
If you lose your feelings
Beware of the youth, Darling
The lyrics of Ben Khan's song "Youth" capture the essence of a nostalgic and sentimental mood. The opening lines, "Changes, my memories retain us, with their vibrations," suggest the persistence of past experiences in shaping one's present identity. The word "vibrations" is particularly evocative, suggesting the emotional resonance of memories that continue to echo in the present. Throughout the song, the theme of nostalgia is captured through powerful imagery, such as "starlight visions" and "soul sensations." These images imply a wistful longing for a time or a feeling that has since passed.
The line, "I don't wanna go back" presents an interesting twist on nostalgia. While the song is largely evocative of a desire to return to a past state or feeling, this line suggests an acceptance of the present and a desire to move forward. The theme of transformation is echoed in the references to "changes" and the idea that "we're healing."
Line by Line Meaning
Changes
The situations and circumstances have altered.
My memories retain us
I still hold onto our past experiences together.
With their vibrations
These memories still evoke strong feelings within me.
Intuition
My gut feeling or sixth sense about something.
From the starlight visions
A moment of clarity or realization from an otherworldly or metaphorical source.
I'm foolish
I sometimes make unwise or stupid decisions.
I'm so foolish
I frequently make unwise or stupid decisions.
I don't wanna go back
I do not wish to return to a previous time, place or mindset.
Soul sensations
Strong, profound feelings from the depths of the soul.
I'm blessing for patience
Waiting requires self-control and inner peace which I consider a positive attribute.
Fetish in bristles
I indulge in non-sexual sensory stimulation, such as hair brushing.
Thoughts in prison
I feel trapped by my own negative or restrictive thought patterns.
Inhibitions
Internal barriers or fears that prevent me from being or expressing myself freely.
To us ain't wisdom
Not all that we believe or do is necessarily the wisest or most beneficial.
Your future's tainted
Your outlook or prospects are negatively impacted or influenced by past experiences.
Darling, escape it
My beloved, break free from your stuck or negative mindset or situations.
Tasteless
Lacking flavor, excitement, or originality.
We are so tasteless
We as a society or culture lack flair, innovation or excitement.
But we're healing
Despite our flaws and wounds, we are progressing towards a state of well-being and wholeness.
If you lose your feelings
If you become numb or detached from your emotions or desires.
Beware of the youth, Darling
Be cautious of the younger generation, my love, as they may have different values or ideals.
Contributed by Joshua D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Eddieman1967
Changes
My memories retain us
While lamp light breaks us
Intuition
From starlit visions
(Oh) I’m foolish
I’m so foolish
Soul sensations
I'm bursting from patience
Vanishing prisms
Of thoughts imprisoned
Inhibitions
Suppressing wisdom
Your future’s tainted
Darling, escape it
Tasteless
Your so tasteless
Purple evenings
Delusion feelings
Beware of your youth, darling
Beware of your youth, darling
Beware of your youth
@maytevaldes15
My memories retain us
With their vibrations
Intuition
From the starlight visions
I'm foolish
I'm so foolish
I don't wanna go back
Soul sensations
I'm blessing for patience
Fetish in bristles
Thoughts in prison
Inhibitions
To us ain't wisdom
Your future's tainted
Darling, escape it
Tasteless
We are so tasteless
But we're healing
If you lose your feelings
Beware of the youth, darling
@amalelharrak954
2020, who's still listening to this iconic tune for the past 6 years?
@richardjamesclemo6235
So last year
@partiallyhydrogenatedsaffl1366
Always forget but it's on my list
@zazu3006
Fuck yea
@karvn1148
2021 now, still bangs
@Kippzy
Me!!
@xaydead
1000years later and still get goosebumps💎
@deangnarly
I want to live in this music video. This is one of the best things I've seen/heard in a long time..
@xochitllee24
Right!! I just want to wear it all day...my own personal soundtrack. Sooo right!!
@chsandstrom
I agree man. This is something else.