Bootleg
Callow Youth Lyrics

In these lyrics, the artist reflects on a sense of fear and unease, addressing their mother in the opening line. They express their concern about the places they have been and the sacrifices their mother has made for them. The artist acknowledges that their mother has taken chances on them, implying that they feel pressure to live up to the expectations placed on them.

The lyrics then mention the artist's visit to a doctor, seeking reassurance about their well-being. This visit appears to have involved a deep examination of their life, as they describe their life being pulled apart and glued back together again. This metaphor may suggest a process of self-discovery and introspection, as they try to make sense of their experiences.

The artist then reveals that they have no memory of a specific evening, wanting to dismiss the tales associated with it. This implies a desire to escape from or forget something uncomfortable or painful. They mention a transformation taking place, where their morality is being challenged and their body is becoming vacant. This phrase could indicate a loss of identity or a feeling of being detached from oneself.

The next section of the lyrics speaks of the artist seeing people without distinct faces and being on a journey to "take off the weight." This could suggest a search for meaning or purpose, as well as a need to let go of burdens or emotional baggage. The repetition of the phrase "it was bootleg bootleg" in this context implies a rebellious or nonconformist attitude towards societal norms and expectations.

The final verses depict a shift in the artist's perception of the world. They describe the trees slowly changing and feeling disconnected. They mention becoming the "second son," possibly referring to a sense of being overshadowed or overlooked. They then describe entering a new realm where they are welcomed by the Gods and taught a different language. This could symbolize a transformation or rebirth, where the artist adopts a new perspective or way of life.

The lyrics touch on the artist's dissatisfaction with the towns they work in and a reference to potential environmental threats. They mention the absence of their medicine, indicating a lack of stability or support in their life.

Overall, these lyrics convey a sense of uncertainty, identity exploration, and a push against societal expectations. The phrase "bootleg bootleg" becomes a repeated refrain, symbolizing a desire to break free from conventional norms and pursue a distinct path, irrespective of what others may say.