Young and Foolish
Dale Bruning Lyrics

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Young and foolish
Why is it wrong to be
Young and foolish
We haven't long to be

Soon enough the carefree days
The sunlit days go by
Soon enough the bluebird has to fly

We were foolish
One day we fell in love
Now we wonder
What were we dreaming of

Smiling in the sunlight
Laughing in the rain
I wish that we were
Young and foolish again

Smiling in the sunlight
Laughing in the rain

I wish that we were
Young and foolish again

Overall Meaning

Dale Bruning's song Young and Foolish is a reflection on the innocent and carefree days of youth. The lyrics emphasis the fact that being young and foolish is not always wrong, but it is important to cherish those days as they are fleeting. The opening line "Young and foolish, why is it wrong to be?" sets the tone for the rest of the song. It questions why we should be ashamed of our youth and the carefree attitude that comes with it. The chorus, "We haven't long to be" serves as a reminder that our time as carefree youth is limited and we should make the most of it while we can.

The second verse speaks to the inevitability of getting older, as the days go by and the bluebird has to fly. The lyrics go on to reflect on falling in love and how it often leads to questioning what we were dreaming of. The final chorus repeats the first, with a longing to be young and foolish again, "smiling in the sunshine, laughing in the rain."

In essence, Bruning's song is a reminder to enjoy the present, embrace the joy of youth, and appreciate every moment, even the ones we may later regret. It cautions that life can quickly become serious and weighed down with responsibilities, so savor the youthful optimism and innocence.

Line by Line Meaning

Young and foolish
Being inexperienced and naive

Why is it wrong to be
Questioning society's disapproval of youthfulness and imprudence

We haven't long to be
Not having much time left to enjoy being young and impulsive

Soon enough the carefree days
The days of freedom and ease will pass quickly

The sunlit days go by
The happy and bright times will come to an end

Soon enough the bluebird has to fly
Youth must come to an end, like the bluebird leaving its nest

We were foolish
Acknowledging that they were inexperienced and impulsive

One day we fell in love
Recalling how love was just as impulsive and rash as their youth

Now we wonder
Reflecting on their past choices and questioning if they made the right decisions

What were we dreaming of
Wondering if their youthful dreams and desires were realistic

Smiling in the sunlight
Happily enjoying the bright moments of life