When We Were Winning
Daniel Broder Lyrics


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Oh when we were seventeen
Oh life was like a film
When we were seventeen
The sky was always tangerine
We ran through streets at night
Under starlight
We ran through streets at night
When we were winning

Oh wild was the world
And wild we burned
We were kings of the streets
Not yet beaten by defeat
But now it's hard to see
Through a fog of memories
But I remember
When we were winning

Now my friends are unemployed
Not needed in this world
Pushed down by this town
And always turned down
But in dreams at night
They can sometimes recall
When we were heroes
When we were winning

What have we done to our lives?
We could've been anything
We gave it our love for what?
This is the time

Oh it's in the air at night
There is a wind coming in
The days dying
Oh it's so beautiful
There's something happening somewhere
I take the bus into town
All I see is laughing
And we are winning

Soon I grow older
But God knows
I haven't lived yet
Before tonight's a memory
Let's go out
I am still young





ahhhhh aaaaahh aaaaaah aaaaaaah
aaaaahhh aaaaah aaaaaaaaaah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Daniel Broder's song "When We Were Winning" capture the nostalgia and longing for the past, specifically reminiscing about the carefree days of being young and feeling invincible. The opening lines, "Oh when we were seventeen, / Oh life was like a film," evoke a sense of youthful idealism and a romanticized view of the past. The imagery of the sky being "always tangerine" and running through the streets at night under starlight creates a picture of joyful, carefree moments.


As the song progresses, the singer reflects on how "wild was the world" and how they felt like "kings of the streets" in their youth. The theme of defiance and resilience is evident as they were "not yet beaten by defeat." The nostalgia is tinged with a sense of loss and longing as the singer struggles to see clearly through a "fog of memories" but holds onto the memory of when they were winning, symbolizing a time of triumph and unity.


The tone shifts in the middle section of the song as the singer laments the current struggles of their friends who are unemployed and feeling rejected by society. The contrast between their present circumstances and the glory days of the past emphasizes a sense of disillusionment and regret. The dreams at night serve as a bittersweet reminder of when they were considered heroes, highlighting a stark contrast to their current reality.


In the final verses, there is a sense of urgency and a call to action as the singer questions the choices they have made in life and wonders about the roads not taken. The mention of the wind coming in and the beauty of the dusk symbolize a new beginning or a sense of hope amidst the darkness. The singer's resolve to go out and embrace the night while still feeling young suggests a yearning for more experiences and a refusal to be defined by past regrets.


The repeated vocalizations of "ahhhhh" add an emotional depth to the song, further emphasizing the bittersweet and reflective nature of the lyrics. Overall, "When We Were Winning" paints a poignant portrait of youth, nostalgia, regret, and the eternal longing for a time when everything seemed possible and the world was full of promise.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh when we were seventeen
Reflecting on the nostalgia of our youth, when the world felt full of possibilities and we were filled with hope.


Oh life was like a film
Life seemed like a movie, with its ups and downs, providing a sense of drama and excitement.


When we were seventeen
Reiterating the theme of looking back on a time of innocence and freedom.


The sky was always tangerine
The world seemed more vibrant and full of color, enhancing the memories of that time.


We ran through streets at night
Exploring the city at night, feeling the thrill of adventure and camaraderie.


Under starlight
Guided by the twinkling lights above, finding our way through the darkness with a sense of wonder.


We ran through streets at night
Emphasizing the joy and freedom of running through the streets with friends under the cover of darkness.


When we were winning
Recalling a time when everything felt like a victory, when success seemed within reach and the future was bright.


Oh wild was the world
The world was full of chaos and excitement, offering endless opportunities and challenges.


And wild we burned
We burned with passion and energy, embracing the unpredictable nature of life.


We were kings of the streets
Feeling invincible and powerful, with a sense of ownership over our surroundings.


Not yet beaten by defeat
Continuing to push forward in the face of challenges, refusing to be defeated by setbacks.


But now it's hard to see
Struggling to find clarity in the present, as memories of the past become hazy and uncertain.


Through a fog of memories
Navigating through a haze of nostalgia and reminiscence, trying to hold onto the fleeting moments of the past.


But I remember
Despite the fog of memories, holding onto the feeling of victory and success from the past.


Now my friends are unemployed
Reflecting on the struggles of friends in the present, facing challenges and uncertainties in life.


Not needed in this world
Feeling overlooked and undervalued, struggling to find a place in a society that seems indifferent.


Pushed down by this town
Feeling the weight of expectations and limitations imposed by the environment, holding them back from success.


And always turned down
Facing rejection and disappointment, as opportunities seem scarce and elusive.


But in dreams at night
Finding solace and escape in dreams, where old memories and fantasies provide comfort and hope.


They can sometimes recall
Being able to remember the moments of victory and success, even in the midst of challenges and hardships.


When we were heroes
Remembering a time when we felt like heroes, capable of achieving greatness and overcoming any obstacle.


What have we done to our lives?
Questioning the choices and decisions that have led to the current state of life, filled with uncertainty and doubt.


We could've been anything
Reflecting on the missed opportunities and unrealized potential, wondering what could have been.


We gave it our love for what?
Realizing the sacrifices made and the efforts put in, questioning the outcomes and the rewards.


This is the time
Recognizing the present as a moment for change and growth, an opportunity to make a difference and shape the future.


Oh it's in the air at night
Feeling a sense of change and transformation in the atmosphere, as if something significant is about to happen.


There is a wind coming in
Sensing a shift in the winds of change, as new possibilities and opportunities present themselves.


The days dying
Seeing the end of the old ways and the beginning of a new chapter, as the past fades away.


Oh it's so beautiful
Finding beauty and hope in the midst of uncertainty and turmoil, appreciating the beauty of the present moment.


There's something happening somewhere
Feeling the anticipation and excitement of change, as new events and opportunities unfold.


I take the bus into town
Embarking on a journey into the unknown, seeking new experiences and perspectives.


All I see is laughing
Observing the joy and laughter around, finding solace in the simple moments of happiness.


And we are winning
Embracing the idea that success is still possible, that victory and triumph are within reach.


Soon I grow older
Acknowledging the passage of time, as the years slip away and age starts to take its toll.


But God knows
Seeking guidance and comfort from a higher power, trusting in a sense of divine purpose and direction.


I haven't lived yet
Feeling a sense of purpose and drive, eager to experience life to the fullest and make the most of every moment.


Before tonight's a memory
Recognizing the fleeting nature of time, savoring the present before it becomes just a memory.


Let's go out
Embracing the idea of seizing the moment, going out and experiencing life to its fullest.


I am still young
Feeling the energy and vitality of youth, determined to make the most of the present moment.


ahhhhh aaaaahh aaaaaah aaaaaaah
Expressing a sense of longing and nostalgia, a yearning for the simplicity and innocence of the past.


aaaaahhh aaaaah aaaaaaaaaah
Echoing the sentiment of the past, a reminder of the victories and triumphs that once defined us.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

j layton

Oh when we were seventeen
oh life was like a film
when we were seventeen
the sky was always tangerine
we ran through streets at night
under starlight
we ran through streets at night
when we were winning

oh wild was the world
and wild we burned
we were kings of the streets
not yet beaten by defeats
but now it's hard to see
through a fog of memories
but I remember
when we were winning

now my friends are unemployed
not needed in this world
pushed down by this town and always turned down
but in dreams at night
they can sometimes recall
when we were heroes
when we were winning

what have we done to our lives?
we could've been anything
we gave it our love for what?
this is the time

oh it's in the air at night
there's a wind coming in
the days dying
oh it's so beautiful
there's something happening somewhere
I take the bus in to town
all I see is laughing
and we are winning

soon I grow older
but god knows I haven't lived yet
before tonight's the memory
let's go out
I'm still young

ahhhhh aaaaahh aaaaaah aaaaaaah
aaaaahhh aaaaah aaaaaaaaaah

life doesn't wait



All comments from YouTube:

couraga

"When we were winning" säger allt. Jag visste inte hur mycket jag saknade tonåren förren jag hörde Broder Daniel. Nu vill jag aldrig växa upp.

Jan Těsnohlídek

LOVE IT!

j layton

Oh when we were seventeen
oh life was like a film
when we were seventeen
the sky was always tangerine
we ran through streets at night
under starlight
we ran through streets at night
when we were winning

oh wild was the world
and wild we burned
we were kings of the streets
not yet beaten by defeats
but now it's hard to see
through a fog of memories
but I remember
when we were winning

now my friends are unemployed
not needed in this world
pushed down by this town and always turned down
but in dreams at night
they can sometimes recall
when we were heroes
when we were winning

what have we done to our lives?
we could've been anything
we gave it our love for what?
this is the time

oh it's in the air at night
there's a wind coming in
the days dying
oh it's so beautiful
there's something happening somewhere
I take the bus in to town
all I see is laughing
and we are winning

soon I grow older
but god knows I haven't lived yet
before tonight's the memory
let's go out
I'm still young

ahhhhh aaaaahh aaaaaah aaaaaaah
aaaaahhh aaaaah aaaaaaaaaah

life doesn't wait

Oder Aber

jag älskar denna låt!

A. Ekegård

Gymnasiet var inte min lyckligaste tid. Jag var inte populär. Det är inte som i någon amerikansk serie att jag hade mina "glory days" under high school och att det sedan bara gått nedåt. Men denna låt berättar ändå varför det är möjligt att vara så nostalgisk.

vinylmonstretify

bra låt

Anton Sjöblom

I wish it was still 2008...

Johan Westerlund

Så braaaa

Toecutter81

when we were winniiiiiing!!

Toecutter81

I love and i hate this song... reminds me of a bad time, but im pushing fort worth !!

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