The song is a synth-pop tune and features backing vocals from Little's daughters. As a protest song, "Only the Young" discusses subjects such as school shootings, Donald Trump, and vote-tampering concerns in its lyrics. Upon release, music critics praised Swift's lyricism on United States politics, addressing matters such as gun violence and mass shootings. Some critics have noted it as Swift's most politically-charged song yet.
Only the Young
Taylor Swift Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The look on your face
The moment you heard the news
You're screaming inside
And frozen in time
You did all that you could do
The game was rigged, the ref got tricked
The wrong ones think they're rightYou were outnumbered, this time
But only the young
Only the young
Only the young
Only the young can run
Can run, so run
And run, and run
So every day now
You brace for the sound
You've only heard on TV
You go to class, scared
Wondering where the best hiding spot would be
And the big bad man and his big bad clan
Their hands are stained with red
Oh, how quickly, they forget
They aren't gonna help us
Too busy helping themselves
They aren't gonna change this
We gotta do it ourselves
They think that it's over
But it's just begun
Only one thing can save us
Only the young (only the young)
Only the young (only the young)
Only the young
Only the young (only the young)
Only the young (only the young)
Only the young (only the young)
Only the young
Only the young (only the young)
(Don't say you're too tired to fight
It's just a matter of time
Up there's the finish line)
Only the young
Can run
Don't say you're too tired to fight
It's just a matter of time (can run)
Up there's the finish line
So run, and run, and run
Don't say you're too tired to fight
It's just a matter of time (so run)
Up there's the finish line
And run, and run, and run
Only the young
Only the young
Only the young
In Taylor Swift's song "Only the Young," the lyrics express themes of empowerment, resilience, and the need for action in the face of adversity. The song is believed to have been inspired by the political climate and youth activism in the United States.
The first verse captures the emotion of discovering devastating news and the feeling of helplessness that comes with it. The singer witnesses injustice or unfairness, represented by the rigged game and the tricked referee. They find themselves outnumbered and ignored by those who believe they are right. In this context, "only the young" refers to the youth, who have the energy and drive to make a difference and challenge the status quo.
The chorus emphasizes the power of the young. Swift urges them to run, to take action, and not be held back by fear or fatigue. The repetition of the phrase "only the young" reinforces the message that it is the young generation that can initiate change.
The second verse highlights the fear and uncertainty faced by the young, particularly at school. The mention of a "big bad man and his big bad clan" suggests a threat that is larger than just one individual. Swift draws attention to the idea that those in power are too busy serving their own interests and neglecting the needs of the people. She encourages the youth to realize that they must take matters into their own hands and not rely on others to make a change.
The bridge serves as a rallying cry, urging the young to keep fighting and emphasizing that this is just the beginning of their journey. It emphasizes that it is up to the young to create change and save themselves.
Overall, "Only the Young" speaks to the importance of youth activism and the belief that the young have the power to effect change in the face of injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
It keeps me awake
The situation is constantly on my mind, not allowing me to sleep
The look on your face
The expression on your face reveals your deep emotions
The moment you heard the news
The instant you received the information
You're screaming inside
You are internally distressed and overwhelmed
And frozen in time
Feeling trapped and unable to move forward
You did all that you could do
You made every effort within your capabilities
The game was rigged, the ref got tricked
The situation was unfair, with the one in control being deceitful
The wrong ones think they're right
Those on the wrong side believe they are morally correct
You were outnumbered, this time
You were at a numerical disadvantage in this particular situation
But only the young
However, it is only the young individuals who have the ability
Only the young
Only the young ones hold the potential
Only the young
Only the young ones possess the power
Only the young can run
Only the young are capable of taking action and escaping
Can run, so run
Use this opportunity to run and flee from the oppressive situation
And run, and run
Continuously run without stopping
So every day now
At present, on a daily basis
You brace for the sound
You prepare yourself for the anticipated noise or event
You've only heard on TV
You have previously encountered it only through media sources
You go to class, scared
Fearful, you attend your classes
Wondering where the best hiding spot would be
Inquiring about the most secure location to take cover
And the big bad man and his big bad clan
Referring to a powerful, malevolent individual and his associates
Their hands are stained with red
They are responsible for bloodshed and harm
Oh, how quickly, they forget
They easily disregard the consequences of their actions
They aren't gonna help us
They will not provide assistance to us
Too busy helping themselves
They are preoccupied with serving their own interests
They aren't gonna change this
They will not bring about any transformation in this situation
We gotta do it ourselves
We must take matters into our own hands
They think that it's over
They believe the struggle has come to an end
But it's just begun
However, the battle has only started
Only one thing can save us
There is only a single solution to rescue us
Only the young (only the young)
Exclusively the young individuals
Only the young (only the young)
Solely the young ones
Only the young (only the young)
Just the young individuals
Only the young
Only the young ones
(Don't say you're too tired to fight
(Do not claim to be too exhausted to engage in the struggle
It's just a matter of time
It is simply a question of time
Up there's the finish line)
The endpoint lies above us)
Only the young
Only the young individuals
Can run
Are capable of escaping
Don't say you're too tired to fight
Do not declare that you lack the energy to resist
It's just a matter of time (can run)
It will only take time for you to be able to flee
Up there's the finish line
The ultimate goal lies ahead
So run, and run, and run
Therefore, keep running and never stop
Only the young
Only the young ones
Only the young
Only the young ones
Only the young
Only the young ones
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joel Little, Taylor Swift
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patricejoypinca2657
I just woke up and then this song just played on my mind. I searched for this and it just had me in tears. 😔
We are greatly disappointed with the result of the national elections here. Imagine choosing leaders who were just "popular" and incompetent enough to lead the country over those people who are experienced, qualified, and capable for the position in our government.
Marami sa amin ang nagmulat sa kasaysayan at ibinahagi ang katotohanan, hindi kami naging pipi, ngunit hindi pala ito sapat para gisingin ang mga bulag at bingi.
Pero alam kong hindi pa tapos ang laban.
Tuloy pa rin ang laban ng kabataan.
Tuloy pa rin ang laban para sa kinabukasan 🇵🇭
@CL-zn1mn
“Oh how quickly they forget, They aren’t gonna help us, Too busy helping themselves.” Hit so hard. We can win this! Only the young!🌸🌷
@mattmercado7503
PATI YUBG "BIG BAD MAN"=
BBM
@sodababe4018
🌸🌸
@jkyra
Yeh let's win this❤️💚✌️
@catalina_lovegood
💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸💗🌸
@johnweak2613
@@mattmercado7503 The Big bad man you talking will lead the country 😂 kaya iyak ka lang diyan hahaha 😅 sending love from 31 Million 🥰
@iluvfri3nds
She really does have such a talent for creating the most beautiful melodies! I personally always find them so pleasing to listen to. Usually an artist gets it right with 3-5 songs in one album, but almost all of her music including the never before heard ones she sang in her documentary as a 13, 14, 15 year old, tunes and lyrics both, are beautiful songs. Not a lot of artists can consistently do this, and this is why I’m a fan. Her melodies can easily take me back to certain moments and feelings in time.
@falconyvibeygirl9118
True spoken frnd
@muhdnaufal6610
Her album 1989, proves what you are saying here. Lover is also similar. Every track has the potential to become a single. The melodies are catchy, you easily listen to them on the first time listen. Oh, reputation is also a great example. Every track could become radio single. Maybe all her albums are.
@karinakim5706
But producers create melodies too