He bears the pop sensibility of the 60's British invasion, the sardonic wit of Elvis Costello, emotional poigniancy of Elliot Smith, and the Townes Van Zant- like turn of phrase. His lyrics are clever and biting, but can, in very few words, shatter the listeners heart
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When I...
Michael Trent Lyrics
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Well I was careless and I was foolish
And I treated life as if it were a toy
Yeah I was careless and I was foolish
And I treated life as if it were a little baby's toy
Oh boy, oh boy
But when I... when I was a man
Well I shuffled off my boyish ways and I set about to learn the best I can
Oh man, oh man
But if you're steppin hard you're bound to make some noise
And if you're cryin well then I hope you're overjoyed
And if you're lackin let me give you what I have
Cuz I got your back, on a common path
But when I... when I was in love
Well I would count my blessins daily
As it seemed they fell upon me from above
But somehow time had tricked me to believin that it just wasn't enough
And I fucked it up
But if you're steppin hard you're bound to make some noise
Oh, and if you're cryin well then I hope you're overjoyed
And if you're lackin let me give you what I have
Cuz I got your back, and I always have
Oh yeah
The song "When I..." by Michael Trent is a reflective piece that ponders on the experiences of a younger version of oneself and the growth and maturity one undergoes through the years. The song is divided into three distinct sections that reflect different stages of life. The first verse is a reflection on the carelessness and foolishness that often accompanies youth, where life seems like a mere toy. However, as one grows into a man, the song reflects the introspection and the desire to learn and understand the wicked ways of the world. The third verse deals with love and the loss of it due to time and circumstances.
The chorus of the song is a message of hope and support for whoever is listening. Michael Trent sings of being there for someone who is stepping hard, crying, or lacking. The message is one of camaraderie and shared experience. The song suggests that even though life can be hard and full of mistakes, there are always people who have your back, and they will share what they have.
Line by Line Meaning
When I, when I was a boy
As a child, I acted recklessly without considering the consequences of my actions.
Well I was careless and I was foolish
I was not mindful of my actions and often made mistakes.
And I treated life as if it were a toy
I did not take life seriously and saw it as something to play with or take for granted.
Yeah I was careless and I was foolish
I continued to behave recklessly despite the potential consequences.
And I treated life as if it were a little baby's toy
I saw life as something insignificant or unimportant like a child's plaything.
But when I... when I was a man
As I grew up, I acknowledged my mistakes and made a commitment to improve myself.
Well I shuffled off my boyish ways and I set about to learn the best I can
I left behind my immature behavior and focused on educating myself and becoming a better person.
But all the wicked ways of this old world were just so hard to understand
Despite my efforts to better myself, the complexities and difficulties of the world around me were still confusing and challenging to comprehend.
But if you're steppin hard you're bound to make some noise
If you work hard and make an effort, you will inevitably make an impact and create a noticeable effect.
And if you're cryin well then I hope you're overjoyed
If you are feeling emotional or distressed, I hope that you can find happiness and peace.
And if you're lackin let me give you what I have
If you are in need or missing something, I am willing to offer what help and resources I can provide.
Cuz I got your back, on a common path
I am here to support and stand by you as we journey together on a shared path.
But when I... when I was in love
During a period of time when I was in a romantic relationship.
Well I would count my blessins daily
I was grateful for the good things in my life and made a conscious effort to acknowledge them.
As it seemed they fell upon me from above
It appeared that my blessings were given to me from a higher power or unexpected source.
But somehow time had tricked me to believin that it just wasn't enough
Over time, my perspective shifted and I began to believe that my blessings and relationship were inadequate or not fulfilling enough.
And I fucked it up
I made a mistake or poor decision that ultimately harmed or ended the relationship.
And I got your back, and I always have
I remain committed to supporting and standing by you, now and always.
Contributed by Gavin W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.