Respect
Old Wharf Lyrics

The lyrics of Old Wharf's song "Respect" convey a strong sense of disillusionment and defiance towards authority figures and societal expectations. The singer asserts their individuality and rejects the notion of conforming to established norms. The opening lines set the tone by declaring the singer's independence from traditional roles of authority, such as prophets or preachers. They express a desire to express their thoughts and opinions, despite being dismissed for their youth.

The chorus emphasizes the frustration of feeling misunderstood and judged by older generations. The idea of learning life lessons the hard way suggests a sense of resilience and determination to make their own mistakes and carve out their own path, rather than waiting for guidance from a higher power. The lyric "We are the dismantled youth" speaks to a generation that feels disconnected and unloved, yet still holding onto hope for a better future.

The verses continue to challenge hypocrisy and insincerity, with the singer rejecting the values and opinions of those who seek to impose their beliefs on them. The refusal to be swayed by external influences and the blunt dismissal of others' authority signify a powerful assertion of individual identity. The defiant refusal to be saved by external forces and the acknowledgment of seeing through lies represent a refusal to be manipulated or controlled.

The final lines of the song bring the message home with a direct and confrontational tone. The singer rejects the idea of giving respect to those who do not reciprocate it, indicating a demand for authenticity and mutual understanding. The use of strong language and bold declarations underscores the theme of standing up for oneself and demanding to be treated with dignity and respect. In essence, the lyrics of "Respect" by Old Wharf challenge the listener to question societal norms and expectations, and to assert their own agency and worth in the face of adversities.