Shamir is known for his androgynous countertenor voice. Radio.com wrote that his singing voice, "like Joplin's, stops you in your tracks." Shamir has said that he doesn't mind having his voice described as androgynous, but notes that 'countertenor' is the correct term: "It's not feminine, it's not masculine. It's a happy medium ... I feel like if the world was more like that, our problems would be gone."
Critic Jamieson Cox, writing for Pitchfork Media, wrote:
"With a piercing countertenor somewhere between Prince masquerading as Camille and the cracking adolescent soul of the teenage Michael Jackson, the 19-year-old North Las Vegas native dismantles the expectations maintained for vocalists based on their gender, demanding instead that the focus be placed on his agile, fluttering performance."
Shamir's style has been described as a distinctive mix of disco and funk with hints of pop "laced with old skool house". Life & Soul has described him as "a dynamic young artist who successfully adopts the craft of his musical heroes Michael Jackson and Prince."
Youth
Shamir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My shining knight
Blind me with valor and honor
Shaded from the wicked night
My eyes seem to deceive me
But my heart knows the truth
Was left in our, our youth
But we, we have no clue
Charm on crude as you do
That your horns are picking up
I know the game you're playing
No more cat and mouse
We wish that blithe behavior
Was something we can choose
And was left in our, our youth
But we, we have no clue
Was left in our, our youth
But we, we have no clue
Youth, youth, youth, youth, youth
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Wish we left it in our
Oh youth
Oh youth
Oh youth
Oh youth
Oh youth
Oh youth
Oh youth
Oh youth
The song "Youth" by Shamir seems to be a reflection on the naivete and idealism that comes with being young and how it fades as we get older. The song starts with the singer longing for a hero, someone who can blind them with their valor and honor and protect them from the darkness of the world. However, the singer quickly realizes that not everything is as it seems and that appearances can be deceiving. Despite the fact that the singer's eyes may deceive them, their heart knows the truth.
The chorus of the song is where the idea of youthful behavior is explored. The singer wishes that the carefree, blithe behavior they had as a young person could be reclaimed but acknowledges that they have no idea how to do so. They seem aware of the fact that youth brings with it a certain optimism and lack of experience, but this fades as we get older and gain more knowledge of the world. The song feels melancholic and reflective, with the singer acknowledging that they are now older and unable to recapture the innocence and freedom of youth.
Overall, "Youth" is a song that explores the complexities of growing older, the loss of innocence, and the ways in which our experiences shape who we become. It's a song that speaks to anyone who has ever looked back on their youth with fondness but recognizes that they can never go back.
Line by Line Meaning
Show me your glowing honor
Request to see the admirable qualities that the person possesses
My shining knight
Referring to the person being addressed as a hero for their admirable qualities
Blind me with valor and honor
Impress the singer with the person's bravery and righteous behavior
Shaded from the wicked night
Protected from negative influences and evil things in life
My eyes seem to deceive me
Appearances can be deceiving
But my heart knows the truth
Intuition can provide clarity and understanding despite appearances
We wish that blithe behavior
Desire to return to a carefree and lighthearted lifestyle
Was left in our, our youth
Wishing that the innocence and naivete of childhood was still present
But we, we have no clue
Despite this desire, we don't know how to recapture it
Charm on crude as you do
Despite rough and unpleasant qualities, the person is still held in high regard due to their charisma
That your horns are picking up
Acknowledgement that the person has negative traits or is manipulative
I know the game you're playing
Aware of how the other person is attempting to influence or deceive
No more cat and mouse
Desire to end the game of deception and trickery
We wish that blithe behavior
Desire to return to a carefree and lighthearted lifestyle
Was something we can choose
Wishing that happiness and contentment could be a conscious decision
And was left in our, our youth
Wishing that the innocence and naivete of childhood was still present
But we, we have no clue
Despite this desire, we don't know how to recapture it
Youth, youth, youth, youth, youth
Repeating the word 'youth' to emphasize the idea of a carefree and innocent time
Wish we left it in our
Desire to get rid of the negative aspects of adulthood
Oh youth
Expression of longing for a simpler and more innocent time
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Bailey Shamir, Mila Bailey, Sylvester Nicholas Barry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind