I Am a Child
Neil Young & Crazy Horse Lyrics


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I am a child, I last a while
You can't conceive of the pleasure in my smile
You hold my hand, buff up my hair
It's lots of fun to have you there

I gave to you, now you give to me
I'd like to know what you've learned
The sky is blue and so is the sea
What is the color when black is burned?
What is the color?

You are a man, you understand
You pick me up and you lay me down again




You make the rules, you say what's fair
It's lots of fun to have you there

Overall Meaning

The song "I Am a Child" by Neil Young & Crazy Horse speaks to a child's sense of wonder, curiosity, and delight in the world. The lyrics portray a kid's longing to learn, to explore, and to be guided by the adults they trust. The first and second stanzas illustrate the simple joys of childhood, from the pleasure of smiles to the fun of being accompanied by a parent or guardian. The line "I gave to you, now you give to me" could be interpreted as a reference to the reciprocity of care and affection between the child and the adult. The child seeks to learn from the adult and understand more about the world around them, as demonstrated in the second stanza's question about the color black when it is burned.


The third stanza speaks to the power dynamics between the child and the adult. The child recognizes that the adult is in charge and can make and enforce the rules. However, the child also finds joy in the presence of the adult and the comfort and safety they provide. The line "you pick me up and you lay me down again" can be seen as a metaphor for the adult's role in the child's life, as someone who can both lift them up and support them as well as give them boundaries and structure.


Overall, the song "I Am a Child" captures the essence of childhood innocence and the relationships between children and adults. The lyrics highlight the beauty and excitement of learning and exploring the world while acknowledging the trust and dependence children have on their caregivers.


Line by Line Meaning

I am a child, I last a while
Despite being young and naive, I have the potential to survive and persevere.


You can't conceive of the pleasure in my smile
You cannot imagine the joy that I experience in the simple things, evident in my smile.


You hold my hand, buff up my hair
You provide me with care and attention, ensuring that I am well-presented and guided.


It's lots of fun to have you there
With your presence and guidance, life becomes enjoyable and fulfilling.


I gave to you, now you give to me
I have bestowed upon you my youthful enthusiasm and curiosity, and now seek to learn from your experiences in return.


I'd like to know what you've learned
I am eager to glean knowledge and wisdom from your life experience.


The sky is blue and so is the sea
I have already learned the basics of the world around me, such as the color of the sky and sea.


What is the color when black is burned?
Despite knowing the basics, I still have questions that I seek answers to, such as this inquiry about the color of burned black.


What is the color?
I am genuinely curious and desire knowledge, and thus am not afraid to ask questions when I don't understand something.


You are a man, you understand
As an adult, you possess knowledge and understanding beyond what I currently know, and thus can teach and guide me.


You pick me up and you lay me down again
You are responsible for my well-being and care, and ensure that I am safe and nurtured.


You make the rules, you say what's fair
As an authority figure in my life, you have the responsibility to create and enforce rules and fairness.


It's lots of fun to have you there
With you as my caregiver and guide, my life is filled with joy and excitement.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Neil Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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