The First
Imperial Teen Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

The first
Is the best
And the best
Is a curse
The taste
Of the last
Is sour
But it's blessed
Yes, it's blessed

It's the best that you did
It's the best that you did
It's the best that you did
It's the best that you did

The taste
Of the past
Is a curse
That will last
And the best
When it's blessed
Is a curse
It's a curse
Such a curse

It's the best that you did
It's the best that you did
It's the best that you did
It's the best that you did

It's the best that you did
It's the best that you did
It's the best that you did
It's the best, it's the best, it's the best, it's the best, it's the best

The best
Is a curse
The best
Is a curse
The best
Is a curse
The best




Is a curse
The best

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Imperial Teen's "The First" are both simplistic and introspective, focusing on the idea of the "first" being the best, but also being a curse. The song is a commentary on nostalgia and the way we often look back on our experiences through rose-colored glasses, remembering the first time we experienced something as the best, but ultimately being disappointed by subsequent experiences. The line "the first is the best and the best is a curse" illustrates this perfectly, highlighting the idea that while the first time we experience something may be amazing, it also sets an unrealistic expectation that may never be met again.


The song also touches on the idea of the past being a curse, specifically in reference to past experiences that we can't let go of. The line "the taste of the past is a curse that will last" speaks to the way that memories and past experiences can haunt us, even if they were negative. At the same time, the song acknowledges that even though the best experiences may be a curse, they are still blessed in their own way.


Overall, "The First" is a thought-provoking and introspective song that encourages listeners to think about their own experiences and the way they view them through a rose-colored lens.


Line by Line Meaning

The first
The first experience is often the most enjoyable and memorable


Is the best
This first experience is so good that it surpasses all future attempts


And the best
The ideal, perfect experience


Is a curse
However, this very standard becomes a burden and source of disappointment in all future experiences


The taste
The sensation or feeling created by the experience


Of the last
The final attempt, usually after multiple failed attempts


Is sour
This final attempt is usually not as good as the first and leaves a bitter taste in one's mouth


But it's blessed
Despite this disappointment, it is a relief to finally move on and let go of the burden of trying to recreate the initial experience


Yes, it's blessed
Acknowledging the freedom and relief that comes with letting go of expectations


It's the best that you did
Reiterating that the first attempt was the best


The taste
Again, referring to the sensation or feeling created by the experience


Of the past
The experience that occurred in the past, which the artist is referencing


Is a curse
Reiterating that this first experience becomes a burden and source of disappointment in all future experiences


That will last
Emphasizing that this burden will continue indefinitely


And the best
Returning to the idea of this ideal, perfect experience


When it's blessed
Pointing out that it can be freeing to let go of these expectations and definitions of what constitutes a 'perfect' experience


It's a curse
Repeating the idea of the first experience being a burden and source of disappointment


Such a curse
Amplifying the negative implications of this burden


The best
Referring back to the ideal, perfect experience


Is a curse
Once again reiterating that this standard becomes a burden and disappointment in all future experiences




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Joan Marie Stebbins, Lynn Elise Truell, Roddy Christopher Bottum, William Mark Schwartz

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions