shortstraw started out in 2007 as a two-piece thrash folk band consisting of the enigma that is oliver nathan and what most would call 'sarcastic', alastair thomas. they played a few shows in and around melville, joburg before bringing in the guitar and keyboard skills of jay hartford and the basswork of the esteemed and handsome phil brierley. now a four-piece, slightly less folky outfit, shortstraw aim to hit the gigging circuit with guns blazing, so look out for a show near you... fuck that's boring. apologies. frankie says go fuck yourself.
Youthless
Shortstraw Lyrics
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And here I thought the youth was just aging gracefully
But I'm older and I'm wiser
And I can't manipulate the way that you feel
Everything you say is just a clause in this deal you decide on
It's decided
Oh it's final
The lyrics of Shortstraw's song "Youthless" seem to explore the singer's realization that they are growing older and witnessing a shift in the world around them. They express surprise at the fact that everyone they meet these days is younger, which challenges their previous notion that the youth simply age gracefully. The lyrics imply that the singer might have believed that the youthful energy and spirit would always be preserved, but now they see that time has caught up with them. Despite this realization, the singer acknowledges that they have gained wisdom and perhaps experience from their age.
The next lines suggest a sense of resignation as the singer recognizes their inability to manipulate or control the emotions and thoughts of the younger generation. They observe that everything the youth says or does is just part of a larger agreement or compromise they have made with themselves. The tone of the lyrics implies a finality to this understanding, emphasizing that the decisions made by the younger generation are definitive and beyond the singer's influence.
Overall, "Youthless" reflects on the passage of time and the changing dynamics between different generations. It showcases a sense of both acceptance and a slight longing for the energy and optimism associated with youth.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone I meet these days is younger than me
The people I come across nowadays are all younger than me, making me realize that the concept of youth is simply aging gracefully.
And here I thought the youth was just aging gracefully
Contrary to my previous belief, I now understand that youthfulness is not exclusive to the younger generation and can be embraced at any age.
But I'm older and I'm wiser
Despite having grown older, I have also gained wisdom and knowledge over time.
And I can't manipulate the way that you feel
I am unable to control or influence the emotions and sentiments you experience.
Everything you say is just a clause in this deal you decide on
Each and every statement you make holds significance as a condition or stipulation that you personally determine in this agreement.
It's decided
The matter has been settled and the decision has been made.
Oh it's final
The conclusion reached is absolute and not subject to change or negotiation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RUSSELL GRANT COWARD, GAD DE COMBES, THOMAS JAMES REVINGTON, JAKE RUBINSTEIN, ALASTAIR LESLIE THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind