Footsteps
Nick and the Roundabouts Lyrics

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Footsteps

You're old enough to know
Young enough to find out
Dreamer's education
Radio made and TV raised
But will you live up to expectation

Your father's shirt don't fit you
and the future's got a claim on me
I got a license to run my race
I need space to breath
Cause I got a dream

I'll follow (following in my footsteps)
The tracks of my soul
I'll follow (following in my footsteps)
The tracks of my soul

He wear that sidewalk scar
Somewhere in a backseat
I heard the fascination
Got a pocketful of promises I'm going to test
Once you catch a dream can you settle for less

No has to tell you no
Like a ghost writer in you soul
You know what it's like to be young
You got your reasons there's a dream, a road
I'll follow

I got a dream I'll follow

The tracks of my soul
I'll follow the tracks of my soul

Overall Meaning

"Footsteps" by Nick and the Roundabouts is a song that explores the struggle between living up to societal expectations and following one's own dreams and aspirations. It speaks to the conflict between the influence of media and the desire for personal fulfillment.

The lyrics begin by acknowledging that the listener is at an age where they should be aware of the world around them but still have the freedom to discover themselves. The reference to a "dreamer's education" suggests that the media plays a significant role in shaping their perceptions and ambitions. However, there is a question posed about whether or not they will live up to these expectations.

The next verse introduces the notion of generational disconnect, symbolized by the ill-fitting shirt of the singer's father. It implies the struggle to find one's own place and identity amidst the expectations of others. The desire for freedom and the need to pursue personal dreams is emphasized through the line, "I got a license to run my race, I need space to breathe."

The chorus emphasizes the determination to follow one's own path, "I'll follow the tracks of my soul." It signifies an unwavering commitment to pursuing one's dreams, even when faced with obstacles and the temptation to settle for less. The song acknowledges the challenges and conveys a sense of defiance and resilience in the face of societal pressures.

Overall, "Footsteps" captures the internal struggle between conforming to expectations and following one's own dreams. It encourages the listener to embrace their own path and not settle for less, even when faced with uncertainty.

Line by Line Meaning

You're old enough to know
You have reached an age of understanding

Young enough to find out
Still young and curious enough to discover

Dreamer's education
Learning through dreams and aspirations

Radio made and TV raised
Influenced by the media and popular culture

But will you live up to expectation
Can you meet the high standards set for you

Your father's shirt don't fit you
You don't fit into the mold set by your father

and the future's got a claim on me
The future demands my attention and commitment

I got a license to run my race
I have the freedom to pursue my own path

I need space to breath
I require room to think and grow

Cause I got a dream
Because I have a strong ambition

I'll follow (following in my footsteps)
I will trail my own path