After self-releasing 2007's All Lies and 2008's Lullaby Death Jams EPs to little attention, the band was effectively broken up by the end of 2008. In January 2009, Japandroids signed to Unfamiliar Records for the release of their debut LP Post-Nothing, deciding to continue on temporarily. The album quickly and unexpectedly rose to wide critical acclaim after its April release. King and Prowse were subsequently signed to Polyvinyl and toured extensively throughout 2009 and 2010, playing more than 200 shows in 20 countries and earning praise for their extremely energetic live performances. A compilation of Japandroids' self-released EPs, entitled No Singles, as well as a series of three 7" singles, "Art Czars," "Younger Us," and "Heavenward Grand Prix" were released in the meantime. The tour ultimately concluded on October 27, 2010.
After working on new material throughout 2011, Japandroids announced in March 2012 that their second LP, Celebration Rock, would be released internationally on June 5, prefaced by the single "The House That Heaven Built" on May 15. Similarly to its predecessor, Celebration Rock was also widely acclaimed by critics.
Younger Us
Japandroids Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the night we saw the midnight sun
Remember saying things like, "We'll sleep when we're dead"
And thinking this feeling was never gonna end
Remember when we had them all on the run
And the night we saw the midnight sun
Remember saying things like, "We'll sleep when we're dead"
Remember that night you were already in bed
Said, "Fuck it" got up to drink with me instead
Gimme that naked new skin rush
Give me younger us
Gimme that you and me in a grave trust
Give me younger us
Gimme my girls running, love, wild and free
Give me younger us
Gimme my boys and I swimming through the streets
Give me younger us
Gimme that night you were already in bed
Said, "Fuck it" got up to drink with me instead
Gimme that naked new skin rush
Give me younger us
Gimme that you and me in a grave trust
Give me younger us
Gimme my girls running, love, wild and free
Give me younger us
Gimme my boys and I swimming through the streets
Give me younger us
Gimme that night you were already in bed
Said, "Fuck it" got up to drink with me instead
Oh (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Oh (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Oh (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Oh (oh, oh, oh, oh)
The song "Younger Us" by Japandroids is a nostalgic ode to the freedom and carefree nature of youth. The lyrics are a reflection on a time in the past when the singer and their friends felt unstoppable, and the world was full of endless possibilities. The first verse recalls a night when the group was out and felt they had everyone "on the run" and witnessed the "midnight sun." They lived life to the fullest and believed they would never stop feeling the way they did, saying things like "we'll sleep when we're dead." The second verse focuses on a particular moment when one friend was already in bed but decided to get up and continue drinking with the singer, emphasizing their youthful spontaneity and lack of responsibility.
The chorus is a plea for the return of that youthful energy and the feeling of being unstoppable. The singer longs for the "naked new skin rush" of being young again and the trust that comes with having a deep connection with someone. They also miss the freedom that comes with youth, represented by the image of girls "running wild and free" and boys "swimmin' through the streets." The final line, a repetition of the second verse, reinforces the idea that the singer wants to relive these moments of pure, unbridled fun.
Overall, "Younger Us" celebrates the reckless abandon of youth and the desire to recapture that feeling of invincibility and limitless possibility. It's a reminder to cherish the moments of joy and the people you share them with while you still have them.
Line by Line Meaning
Remember when we had them all on the run
Reflecting on a time when they were ahead and succeeding in whatever their pursuit was.
And the night we saw midnight sun
Recalling a specific night, probably a memorable one, that involved staying up late and experiencing something unique or special.
Remember saying things like "we'll sleep when we're dead"
Recalling a time when they were determined and willing to work hard, presumably without taking breaks or sleeping much.
And thinking this feeling was never gonna end
Believing that their success or happiness would continue forever, and not realizing that it might be temporary.
Remember that night you were already in bed,
Recalling a specific night when someone was already in bed, or preparing to go to bed.
Said "fuck it" got up to drink with me instead!
Someone decided to ignore their initial plan to rest, and instead joined the other person for a spontaneous night of drinking and maybe other activities.
Gimme that naked new skin rush
Desiring the feeling of excitement and freshness that comes with trying something new or starting anew.
Give me younger us
Wishing to revert back to an earlier, more carefree time in their lives.
Gimme that you and me in a grave trust
Wanting to go back to a time when they had complete trust in someone else, perhaps even an unbreakable bond or loyalty.
Gimme that girls love running wild and free
Longing for a time when young women were confident and fearless, with a sense of adventure and exploration.
Give me younger us
Still wanting to go back to an earlier, simpler time with less worry or responsibility.
Gimme that boys out swimmin' through the streets
Recalling a scene of boys splashing and running around in the streets, enjoying each other's company and youthful energy.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Prowse, Brian Andrew King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
allthegoodonesweretaken
These two guys have insane energy live. Gave me no choice but to love them.
Dan Zangari
This song is too good. The whole album is too good.
butter cup
Such feels. Heard this 4 years back, heard it now. So nostalgic :\ Give me younger us indeed.
Cryssie S
My sister and I would play this song over and over. 6 years ago. It’s time to put this in the playlist again 💫
Rebreb
This is one of my top 3 Japandroid songs. But, it does bear some similarity to their other song, "Sovereignty." (mainly the guitar riff)
Lyf
Man going through the pitchfork top200 brings back really old and good memories. Love this gem
DrSpikeSpiegel
Doing the same thing dude.
Leonard Ferrara
haha doing the exact same thing; seeya on the next ones...
lindseyfashow
all their songs are so passionate, and their performances even more so. that's why i love them
Matt Streets
and thinking this feeling was never gonna end