Teenager Of The Year
Lo-tel Lyrics
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A dedication to the youth
From magazines for teens that really care
Care enough to want to prove
That the pretty ones
Have got less to lose
Hey teenager of the year
Hey teenager of the year
Your new life begins right here
And you won't suffer any more
Validation's your reward
Plus hair and make-up tips
And so much more
For the luckiest of teens
The shallowest of dreams
This model youth
Hey teenager of the year
Win the chance to judge your peers
Hey teenager of the year
Your new life begins right here
So hey, at least try
Maybe qualify
And that piece of mind
Proves that you're alright
Hey teenager of the year
Win the chance to judge your peers
Hey teenager of the year
Your new life begins right here
The lyrics to Lo-tel's "Teenager of the Year" are a satirical critique of the media's portrayal of teenage life. The song is essentially an indictment of the way that the cultural idea of the "teenager" has been co-opted by the media to sell products, with teens becoming passive consumers rather than active participants in creating their own identities. The opening verse sets the scene: "So this award goes out to you / A dedication to the youth / From magazines for teens that really care / Care enough to want to prove / That the pretty ones / Have got less to lose."
The line "the pretty ones have got less to lose" is a subtle critique of the way that mainstream culture values physical beauty over substance. The chorus repeats the phrase "Hey teenager of the year", a nod to the kind of awards that magazines would give out to teens who fit a certain mold. The song suggests that these awards are essentially meaningless, and that the media is simply using the idea of the "teenager" as a way to sell products.
The bridge of the song encourages teens to try and qualify for these awards, but only so they can gain some peace of mind that they're "alright". This suggests that the pressure to conform to the media's idea of what a "teenager" should be is incredibly strong, and that even those who see through the charade are still affected by it.
Line by Line Meaning
So this award goes out to you
This award is dedicated to the listeners of the song
A dedication to the youth
This award is dedicated to the young people
From magazines for teens that really care
The award comes from magazines that care about young people
Care enough to want to prove
The magazines care enough to want to prove their support
That the pretty ones
The magazines believe that the attractive people
Have got less to lose
Have less to lose than others
Hey teenager of the year
Addressing the listener as the teenager of the year
Win the chance to judge your peers
Win the opportunity to judge others their age
Your new life begins right here
The opportunity is the beginning of a new life for you
And you won't suffer any more
Winning this award will ensure that you won't suffer anymore
Validation's your reward
Validation is the reward for winning the award
Plus hair and make-up tips
Along with validation, they will also get tips on hair and makeup
And so much more
And much more than just that
For the luckiest of teens
The award is for the luckiest teenagers
The shallowest of dreams
It represents the most superficial dreams
This model youth
This is the ideal image of the youth
So hey, at least try
Encouraging the listener to at least try to win the award
Maybe qualify
Encouraging the listener to try to qualify for the award
And that piece of mind
Winning the award will provide peace of mind
Proves that you're alright
Winning the award proves that the listener is all right
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LUKE HANIGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gaming Savior
I lost a friend from suicide in year 12 when this film and song came out. Nostalgia hurts but as long as we use it to remember and embrace the high moments and let go of despair, it can help us remember there is still time to become anything we want, even in the face of such loss.
18 years later, she is still teenager of the year - Remember to hold onto the high moments :)
Peter Martin
❤❤
Kate-Emma Murray
I’m back in Grade 7. What a time traveller this song and Looking for Alibrandi are. This is in the life soundtrack for every 2000s teenager in Australia.
Genevieve Isodora Van Der Hayden
omg that hurt to read :(
Oldsoulone
I was yr 7 in the yr 2000 too.🙂 I still remember seeing looking for Alibrandi like it was yesterday.
Oldsoulone
I'll also say I concur very much. This is! The soundtrack for every 2000's teenager in Australia. 'Magazines for teens that really care'. Two words: Dolly Dr. 😄
Jason Van Orsdol
Hear the original, Frank Black 'Teenager of the Year'. U.S.A.
Natalie Anne
I’d like to add a twist to your comment.
I’m 55 and back in 2000 I was 33 on Holiday with my boyfriend in Noosa. I woke up and this was playing on the alarm clock - it was kinda haunting.. and yet it was in that moment I felt I’d finally found the happiness I searched my life for .
Though we only stayed together 7 years I was right. I am so thankful for that man.
The song may have been about teenagers but to me it was symbolic of my heart graduating. I’d found my way through life n love UNI and my new life was sleeping right next to me.
George McNab
Such a good song!!! Makes you wonder how many amazing songs are out there just out of view.
Azza
Such a beautiful song, Just came here because I found out that the teacher that introduced this song to me just passed away, one of the biggest inspirations in high school for me.. damn hits close to home, so much nostalgia.