Sweet Young Thing
Michael Nesmith; Lyrics
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Is happening to my brain.
I'm either feeling very good
Or else I am insane.
The seeds of doubt you planted
Have started to grow wild
But feel that I must yield before
The wisdom of a child
And it's love you bring,
No that I can't deny,
With your wings,
I can learn to fly,
Sweet young thing.
People try to talk to me
Their words are ugly sounds
But I resist all their attempts
To try and bring me down..
Turned on to the sunset,
Like I've never done before.
And I listen for your footsteps
And your know upon the door.
And it's love you bring,
With dreams of bluer skies
All these things,
When I seem them in your eyes
Sweet young thing.
In the song "Sweet Young Thing" by Michael Nesmith, the singer is struck with a sudden realization that something strange is happening to his brain. He muses about feeling either very good or insane. This is followed by the seeds of self-doubt that have been planted in his mind, which are growing wild. At this point, he decides to give in to the wisdom of a child. The main theme of the song is love, which is brought by the titular "Sweet Young Thing". The singer acknowledges that he cannot deny the love she brings and that with her, he can learn to fly.
As the song progresses, the singer also acknowledges that people around him are trying to bring him down with their ugly words. Despite their attempts, he resists their negativity and turns towards beauty. He becomes enamored with the sunset, which he has never experienced before. Additionally, he listens for the footsteps of his love and her knock upon his door.
The overall message of the song can be interpreted as one of hope, love, and embracing the beauty around us. It is a reminder to focus on the positive things in life, even when faced with doubt and negativity.
Line by Line Meaning
Know that something very strange
I am aware that something peculiar is happening to me.
Is happening to my brain.
I can feel it inside my mind.
I'm either feeling very good
Sometimes I feel elated and ecstatic.
Or else I am insane.
Maybe I am losing my mind.
The seeds of doubt you planted
You made me question my own beliefs.
Have started to grow wild
Those doubts have grown out of control.
But feel that I must yield before
I cannot resist the power of
The wisdom of a child
The innocence and purity of children bring clarity to me.
And it's love you bring,
You bring love into my life.
No that I can't deny,
I cannot deny the presence of love when you are around.
With your wings,
With your guidance and support,
I can learn to fly,
I can reach new heights and achieve great things.
Sweet young thing.
My dear, youthful love.
People try to talk to me
Others try to communicate with me.
Their words are ugly sounds
Their words are muddled and unpleasant to me.
But I resist all their attempts
I hold strong and refuse to succumb to their criticisms.
To try and bring me down..
Their attempts to discourage me are in vain.
Turned on to the sunset,
I am drawn to the beauty of the setting sun.
Like I've never done before.
It's a new sensation for me.
And I listen for your footsteps
I eagerly await your arrival.
And your know upon the door.
I recognize the sound of your knock.
And it's love you bring,
Once again, you bring love into my life.
With dreams of bluer skies
You inspire me to have hope for a brighter future.
All these things,
You bring all of these positive things into my life:
When I seem them in your eyes
When I see them reflected in your eyes.
Sweet young thing.
My dear, youthful love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLE KING, GERRY GOFFIN, MICHAEL NESMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jennifer Bunn
RIP Mike. Such a sad day. Now Mikey's the only one left. Thoughts and prayers to Mike's friends, family and fans.
Lu Ann Abbate
They should have been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a long time ago!!!
Marlene Pearson
Mike passing has knocked me flat! And Davy was my favorite! Micky stands alone now!
Kala Piziks
May he rest in phantasmagoric splendor.
krs16891
You know your getting old when your musical heroes start dropping sad sad day rip in peace Mr Nesmith.
MrSteveb80
loved them growing up. was lucky to see them and recently to see Mike a few times. so many of the great artist we grew up with are leaving us. RIP Mike.
Football Lover9 🇺🇦
Going through all the Monkees songs Mike did. Rest easy, sweet Mike ❤
DRG What's the truth?
I myself have binging on the Monkees. So sad. RIP Mike, Davey and Peter. HOF the whole group is. The set a record that still stands...4 #1 albums on the hot 200 in one calender year. Not even the Beatles or Elvis did that.
Katya Lavrentyeva
Same. I'm paying tribute to him by listening to his songs right now. 💔
dianne
same. he’s my favorite and the songs he wrote and sang