The Best Of Times
Sage Francis Lyrics
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But I'm glad that I took it because it was well worth it
I got to read a couple books
And do some research before I reached my verdict
Never thought that I was perfect
Always thought that I had a purpose
Used to wonder if I'd live to see my first kiss
Realizing the person I was addressing
Probably wasn't looking down from heaven
Or cooking up something in hell's kitchen trying to listen in
Or eaves drop from some another dimension
It was self serving just like this is
Conveniently religious on Easter Sunday and on Christmas
The television went from being a babysitter to a mistress
Technology made it easy for us to stay in touch while keeping a distance
Til we just stayed distant and never touched
Now all we do is text too much
I don't remember much from my youth
Maybe my memory is repressed
Or I just spent too much time wondering if I'd live to have sex
Fell in love for the first time in 4th grade
But I didn't have the courage to talk to her
In 8th grade I wrote her the note
But I slipped it in someone else's locker
Considered killing myself 'cause of that
It was a big deal, it was a blown cover
It was over for me, my goose was cooked
Stick a fork it me, the jig is up
I blew my chances the rest is history
Our future was torn asunder
It became abundantly clear that I was only brought here to suffer
At least I didn't include my name
Thankfully I wrote the whole note in code
And it had ten layers of scotch tape safety seal making it impossible to open
Plus it was set to self destruct
Whoever read it probably died laughing
I wonder if they lived long enough to realize what happened
A year later I came to understand that wasn't love that I was feeling for her
I had someone else to obsess over
I was older, I was very mature
I forged my time signature
While practicing my parents autograph 'cause I was failing math
Disconnected the phone when I thought the teacher would call my home
I checked the mailbox twice a day at the end of a long dirt road
Steamed open a couple envelopes like I was in private detective mode
If you snoop around long enough
For something in particular you're guaranteed to find it
For better or worse that's how I learned
That it's best to just keep some things private
It was the best of times, it was the end of times
It was the best of times, it was the end of times
I was always on deck I was next in line
An only child with a pen and pad writing a list of things that I could never have
The walls in my house were paper thin
Every squabble seemed to get deafening
If my memory serves me correctly
I made it a point to void and forget some things
Probably to keep from being embarrassed
Never meant to upset or give grief to my parents
Kept my secrets hid my talents
In my head never under the mattress
Therapy couldn't break me
Never learned a word that would insure safety
So I spoke softly and I tip toed often
The door to my room was like a big old coffin
The way that it creaked when I closed it shut
Anxieties peaked when it opened up
As if everything that I was thinking would be exposed
I still sleep fully clothed
It was the best of times
It was the end of times
It was beautiful
It was brutal
It was cruel
It was business as usual
Heaven
It was hell
Used to wonder if I'd live to see twelve
When I did I figured that I was immortal
Loved to dance but couldn't make it to the formal
Couldn't bear watching my imaginary girlfriend
Bust a move with any other dudes
Tone Loc was talking bout a "Wild Thang"
But I was still caught up in some child thangs
Scared of a God who couldn't spare the rod
It was clearly a brimstone and fire thang
Pyromaniac
Kleptomaniac
Couldn't explain my desire to steal that fire
Now I add it to my rider
Like "Please oh please don't throw me in that patch of brier!"
It was the best of times, it was the end of times
The school counselor was clueless 'cause I never skipped classes
Perfect attendance, imperfect accent
Speech impediment they could never really fix
And I faked bad eyesight so I could wear glasses
Considered doing something that would cripple me
I wanted a wheelchair, I wanted the sympathy
I wanted straight teeth so then came braces
4 years of head gear helped me change faces
It was the best of times
It was the end of times
Now I wonder if I'll live to see marriage
Wonder if I'll live long enough to have kids
Wonder if I'll live to see my kids have kids
If I do I'm gonna tell 'em how it is
"Don't listen when they tell you that these are your best years
Don't let anybody protect your ears
It's best that you hear what they don't want you to hear
It's better to have pressure from peers than not have peers
Beer won't give you chest hair
Spicy food won't make it curl
When you think you've got it all figured out and then your universe collapses
Trust me kid it's not the end of the world
The Sage Francis song "The Best of Times" explores themes of self-discovery, reflection, and nostalgia for the past. The lyrics paint a portrait of the artist's youth, including the awkwardness of adolescence and the challenges of growing up in a less-than-perfect household. The chorus asserts that while the experiences of youth are formative and meaningful, they are not necessarily the best years of one's life.
The song's first verse describes the artist's personal growth, as he reads books and conducts research to reach his own conclusions. He reflects on past imperfections and uncertainties, wondering whether he will ever experience important milestones, such as his first kiss. The second verse describes a particular moment of regret - reciting his own words at a service for someone who probably could not hear them. He touches on the widespread societal issue of disconnectedness, where technology keeps people far apart even as it connects them in new ways. Finally, the third verse explores the challenges of growing up, including young love, strained relationships with parents, and the desire to be accepted.
Overall, "The Best of Times" is a deeply introspective work that speaks to the universal experiences of growing up, learning, and actively defining oneself in the context of an often challenging world.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a long and lonely trip
The journey of life has been challenging and solitary
But I'm glad that I took it because it was well worth it
Despite the difficulties, I am grateful for the experiences and lessons gained
I got to read a couple books
I had the chance to expand my knowledge through reading
And do some research before I reached my verdict
I conducted thorough investigations before forming my opinions
Never thought that I was perfect
I never considered myself flawless
Always thought that I had a purpose
I always believed that I had a reason for being
Used to wonder if I'd live to see my first kiss
In the past, I questioned if I would live long enough to experience my first romantic moment
The most difficult thing I ever did was recite my own words at a service
One of the toughest challenges was speaking my own words during a solemn occasion
Realizing the person I was addressing
Coming to the realization that the person I was speaking to
Probably wasn't looking down from heaven
Likely wasn't observing from the afterlife
Or cooking up something in hell's kitchen trying to listen in
Nor was involved in any otherworldly activities
Or eavesdrop from some another dimension
Or secretly listen from a different realm
It was self-serving just like this is
My speech was self-centered, similar to this song
Conveniently religious on Easter Sunday and on Christmas
Selective in practicing my religion only on major holidays
The television went from being a babysitter to a mistress
The TV transformed from a caretaker to a dominant force in my life
Technology made it easy for us to stay in touch while keeping a distance
Advancements in technology allowed us to maintain communication without physical closeness
Til we just stayed distant and never touched
Until we remained emotionally distant and lacked physical contact
Now all we do is text too much
Currently, our primary mode of communication is excessive texting
I don't remember much from my youth
I have limited recollections of my childhood
Maybe my memory is repressed
It's possible that my memories are suppressed
Or I just spent too much time wondering if I'd live to have sex
Alternatively, perhaps I focused excessively on whether I would live long enough to experience intimacy
Fell in love for the first time in 4th grade
I experienced my initial feelings of love back in 4th grade
But I didn't have the courage to talk to her
Unfortunately, I lacked the bravery to communicate with her
In 8th grade I wrote her the note
In 8th grade, I wrote her a letter
But I slipped it in someone else's locker
Regrettably, I mistakenly placed it in someone else's locker
Considered killing myself 'cause of that
The situation affected me to the extent that I contemplated suicide
It was a big deal, it was a blown cover
The incident was significant and exposed my vulnerability
It was over for me, my goose was cooked
I felt that it marked the end for me, that I was doomed
Stick a fork in me, the jig is up
I felt defeated and exposed, unable to continue
I blew my chances the rest is history
I ruined my opportunities, and the subsequent events are well-known
Our future was torn asunder
Our potential together was shattered
It became abundantly clear that I was only brought here to suffer
It became evident that my purpose in life was to endure pain
At least I didn't include my name
At least I didn't reveal my identity
Thankfully I wrote the whole note in code
Fortunately, I encoded the entire letter
And it had ten layers of scotch tape safety seal making it impossible to open
In addition, I secured it with numerous layers of tape, rendering it unopenable
Plus it was set to self destruct
Furthermore, it had a self-destruct mechanism
Whoever read it probably died laughing
Presumably, anyone who read it burst into laughter
I wonder if they lived long enough to realize what happened
I speculate whether they survived long after to comprehend the situation
A year later I came to understand that wasn't love that I was feeling for her
After a year, I realized that what I felt for her wasn't love
I had someone else to obsess over
I had developed an obsession for someone else
I was older, I was very mature
I had matured and grown older
I forged my time signature
I falsified my parent's signature on documents
While practicing my parents autograph 'cause I was failing math
Simultaneously, I honed my parent's signature skills to mask my academic struggles
Disconnected the phone when I thought the teacher would call my home
I unplugged the telephone to prevent the teacher from contacting my parents
I checked the mailbox twice a day at the end of a long dirt road
Every day, I diligently inspected the mailbox located at the far end of a dirt path
Steamed open a couple envelopes like I was in private detective mode
I carefully opened a few sealed envelopes as if I were a secret investigator
If you snoop around long enough
If you persistently pry into matters for an extended period
For something in particular you're guaranteed to find it
You will undoubtedly discover what you were searching for
For better or worse that's how I learned
Regardless of the outcome, this is how I acquired knowledge
That it's best to just keep some things private
It's advisable to refrain from sharing certain things publicly
It was beautiful
It was magnificent
It was brutal
It was harsh
It was cruel
It was merciless
It was business as usual
It was the customary way of things
Heaven
Paradise
It was hell
It was torment
Used to wonder if I'd live to see twelve
Previously, I questioned if I would survive until my twelfth birthday
When I did I figured that I was immortal
Upon reaching that age, I believed I was invincible
Loved to dance but couldn't make it to the formal
I enjoyed dancing but couldn't attend the official event
Couldn't bear watching my imaginary girlfriend
I couldn't stand watching my imaginary girlfriend
Bust a move with any other dudes
Dancing with other guys
Tone Loc was talking bout a 'Wild Thang'
Tone Loc's song referenced a wild and promiscuous behavior
But I was still caught up in some child thangs
However, I was still preoccupied with childish matters
Scared of a God who couldn't spare the rod
Fearful of a punishing God who followed the principle of disciplining
It was clearly a brimstone and fire thang
It was evidently associated with punishment and destruction
Pyromaniac
Someone obsessed with fire
Kleptomaniac
Someone with an irresistible urge to steal
Couldn't explain my desire to steal that fire
I couldn't justify my urge to possess that destructive element
Now I add it to my rider
Nowadays, I include it as a demand
Like 'Please oh please don't throw me in that patch of brier!'
An expression of desperation to avoid a painful situation
The school counselor was clueless 'cause I never skipped classes
The counselor at school was unaware because I never missed any classes
Perfect attendance, imperfect accent
I had excellent attendance but struggled with my pronunciation
Speech impediment they could never really fix
My speech difficulty was never fully corrected
And I faked bad eyesight so I could wear glasses
I pretended to have poor eyesight to wear glasses
Considered doing something that would cripple me
I contemplated an action that would physically impair me
I wanted a wheelchair, I wanted the sympathy
I desired to use a wheelchair and gain sympathy
I wanted straight teeth so then came braces
I desired to have straight teeth, leading to the use of braces
4 years of head gear helped me change faces
Wearing headgear for four years altered my appearance
Now I wonder if I'll live to see marriage
Now I ponder if I will live long enough to experience marriage
Wonder if I'll live long enough to have kids
Questioning if I will survive to have children
Wonder if I'll live to see my kids have kids
Speculating if I will live to witness my children becoming parents
If I do I'm gonna tell 'em how it is
If I do, I will honestly share my experiences with them
"Don't listen when they tell you that these are your best years
"Ignore those who claim that these are the best years of your life
Don't let anybody protect your ears
Don't allow others to shelter you from reality
It's best that you hear what they don't want you to hear
It's crucial to listen to what others try to keep hidden
It's better to have pressure from peers than not have peers
Having peer influences, even if pressurizing, is preferable to lacking peers
Beer won't give you chest hair
Drinking beer doesn't result in the growth of chest hair
Spicy food won't make it curl
Consuming spicy food doesn't cause hair to curl
When you think you've got it all figured out and then your universe collapses
In moments of believing everything is under control, your world suddenly crumbles
Trust me kid it's not the end of the world
I assure you, it's not the end of the world
Lyrics Ā© Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Sage Francis, Yann Tiersen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charlie Coleslaw
This song legitimately stopped me from attempting suicide in 2011. Now, 10 years later I have two beautiful children and life is great. Thank you Sage.
Mike
I'm so happy he found you. <3
No Name
This was one of the last songs I played before I tried to cut my feet off and die in the shower. I didn't die. You didnt die. Its this music that connects us. This is truth encapsulated.
Jose Duran
Love ya dude!!
feathrn looie
Well I got a gram of coke and Jimmy walker š¤£š¹
Erick Hoxter
That is wonderful man! The world is better with you in it.
Erick Hoxter
I still listen to this every time something significant happens. When I lost my job, I came back here. When I lost my car, I came back here. When I lost it all, I came back here. I found a girlfriend that I envision a wonderful future with, I was here. Just yesterday I got a kick ass job finally, I came back here and like every time am moved to tears. I thank one of my best friends for showing me Sage Francis back in High School, it's her favorite song - it's my favorite song. I had a job a few hundred miles away from home and ended up having everything stolen from me by the people I was living with. Including some Li(f)e merch, hoodies, the original #filmthepolice hoodie and a bunch of personal non replaceable items. That hurt pretty bad, but I came back here. I'm on an upswing and Sage's message feels so good. It gives me chills. Don't know why I listened to it on YT this time and typed a long personal story but if anyone needs to hear it, just remember "it's not the end of the world"
Amendez85
***** I understand where you are coming from on this subject. it's awesome how music influences and impacts our lives. Sage is an artist that will always have a place in my heart. Human the death dance was a massive part of my life when i struggled with addiction. Li(f)e and especially this song was and still is a keepsake to me because of the struggles of getting my life in order and eventually marrying the woman of my dreams. Now that I see my life coming to and surpassing what I didn't ever expect it to is so amazing. I thank music for helping me through my existence.
Amendez85
Back to this song. It seems each time I hit a milestone in my life I listen to this song. Now a father, just completed my bachelors degree, 8 years sober, and still in love with my awesome wife. it makes me smile when I think about the first time i listened to this song back in 2010. Still hits my heart the same way.
Erick Hoxter
Congrats, Adrian! That's so awesome! Keep your head up and keep moving forward!