Sentimental
Porcupine Tree Lyrics

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Never want to be old
And I don?t want dependence
It?s no fun to be told
That you can?t blame your parents anymore

I'm finding it hard
To hang from a star
Don?t want to be

Never want to be old

Sullen and bored the kids stay
And in this way they wish away each day?
Stoned in the mall the kids play
And in this way wish away each day?

I don?t really know
If I care what is normal
And I? m not really sure
If the pills I?ve been taking are helping

I'm wasting my life
Hurting inside
I don?t really know
And I?m not really sure

Sullen and bored the kids stay
And in this way they wish away each day?
Stoned in the mall the kids play
And in this way wish away each day?

Sullen and bored the kids stay
And in this way they wish away each day?

Stoned in the mall the kids play
And in this way wish away each day?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the Porcupine Tree's song "Sentimental" reflect the desire to not want to grow old or become dependent on others. The chorus "Never want to be old" repeats throughout the song, highlighting the fear of aging and losing independence. The singer also expresses not wanting to be told that they cannot blame their parents for their current situation, suggesting perhaps a difficult upbringing or relationship with their parents.

The second verse alludes to a generation of young people who are stoned and bored, wishing away each day. The repetition of "sullen and bored the kids stay, and in this way they wish away each day" suggests a sense of apathy and lack of direction amongst youth. The lyrics show a disconnect and disillusionment with societal norms, with the singer questioning if they care about what is "normal" and if the pills they've been taking are even helping.

The overall theme of the song is a sense of frustration and uncertainty with life. The repetition of "I don't really know" and "I'm not really sure" emphasizes the singer's lack of clarity and direction. The somber tone of the music adds to the mood of the lyrics, painting a picture of a melancholic and uncertain mindset.

Line by Line Meaning

Never want to be old
I want to stay young and not grow old.

And I don?t want dependence
I don't want to rely on anyone.

It?s no fun to be told
It's not enjoyable to hear that you can't blame your parents anymore.

That you can?t blame your parents anymore
You have to take responsibility for your own life.

I'm finding it hard
I'm struggling.

To hang from a star
To follow my dreams and achieve success.

Don?t want to be
I don't want to become something.

Sullen and bored the kids stay
The kids are sad and uninterested.

And in this way they wish away each day?
They are wasting their time and hoping for something better.

Stoned in the mall the kids play
The kids are high and playing in the mall.

I don?t really know
I am uncertain.