Blur's self-titled fifth album (1997) saw another stylistic shift, influenced by the lo-fi styles of American indie rock groups, and became their third UK chart-topping album. Its single "Song 2" brought the band mainstream success in the US for the first time. Their next album, 13 (1999) saw the band experimenting with electronic and gospel music, and featured more personal lyrics from Albarn. Their seventh album, Think Tank (2003), continued their experimentation with electronic sounds and was also shaped by Albarn's growing interest in hip hop and world music, featuring more minimal guitar work. Coxon left the band during early recording sessions for Think Tank, and Blur disbanded for several years after the end of the album's associated tour, with the members engaged in other projects.
In 2009, Blur reunited with Coxon back in the band and embarked on a European reunion tour. In the following years, they released several singles and compilations and toured internationally. In 2012, they received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Their eighth album, The Magic Whip (2015), was the sixth consecutive Blur studio album to top the British chart. The group have largely been on hiatus since the Magic Whip tour, but have announced plans to reunite in 2023 for various live dates.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blur_(band)
Studio albums
Leisure (1991)
Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
Parklife (1994)
The Great Escape (1995)
Blur (1997)
13 (1999)
Think Tank (2003)
The Magic Whip (2015)
The Ballad of Darren (2023)
Young and Lovely
Blur Lyrics
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Says,
Don't worry mum
I won't be out that late
Done me playing those passive games right now
They're out of date
You're awfully sweet
Haven't got the time
Got better things to do
You can get what you want
So young and lovely
Kicking around in the centre of the town
Looking in shop windows
Those mannequins
Look far too real at night
Friday's child doesn't know if it's awake
Or if it's dreaming
Says,
Don't worry dad
I'll do my bit
I'll raise the flag
I'll be just like you
You can get what you want
So young and lovely
Don't worry mum
I'm not that dumb
I'll be just like you
Oh, no, why
Why'd you do it?
The lyrics to Blur's "Young and Lovely" tell the story of a young person who is excited about going out into the world for the first time. The singer is eager to leave behind the "passive games" of childhood and to engage with the world in a more active and assertive way. They reassure their parents that they won't be out too late, and that they have better things to do than stick around at home. The singer is confident in their ability to "get what [they] want," and they're excited to explore the world around them.
As the song progresses, the singer's excitement turns to a kind of ambivalence or uncertainty. The mannequins in the shop windows start to seem "far too real at night," and the singer wonders if they are really awake or dreaming. They reassure their father that they will "do [their] bit" and "be just like you," but the final lines of the song express a sense of regret or confusion: "Why'd you do it?"
Overall, the song captures the feelings of a young person as they set out into the world: excitement mingled with fear, confidence mixed with uncertainty, and a sense that the future is both full of promise and full of unknowns.
Line by Line Meaning
Friday's child is planning to go out for the first time
The singer, born on a Friday, is preparing for their first night out.
Says, Don't worry mum I won't be out that late
Assuring their mother that they won't stay out too late.
Done me playing those passive games right now They're out of date
The singer is no longer interested in playing games passively, as they are outdated.
You're awfully sweet Haven't got the time
The artist appreciates their mother's concern but cannot spend too much time acknowledging it.
Growing up so fast Got better things to do
Acknowledging their growth and maturity, the artist has better things to do with their time.
You can get what you want So young and lovely
The singer is recognizing their youth and beauty and the ease with which they can get what they want.
Kicking around in the centre of the town Looking in shop windows Those mannequins Look far too real at night
The singer is wandering around the town center at night, looking at mannequins in shop windows that look too real in the dark.
Friday's child doesn't know if it's awake Or if it's dreaming
The artist is feeling a sense of disorientation and confusion, unsure if they are awake or dreaming.
Says, Don't worry dad I'll do my bit I'll raise the flag I'll be just like you
The artist tells their dad that they will do their part to be like him, to raise the flag, and follow in his footsteps.
You can get what you want So young and lovely
Reiterating that in their youth and beauty, they have the power to get what they desire.
Don't worry mum I'm not that dumb I'll be just like you
The singer assures their mother that they are not foolish and want to be like her.
Oh, no, why Why'd you do it?
The abrupt shift in tone suggests a tragic event has taken place, and the artist is questioning why it happened.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Damon Albarn, David Rowntree, Graham Coxon, Steven Alexander James
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind