Biography by Mark Deming
Young
The Arcs Lyrics
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Had a little money to spend
And everybody knows, everybody knows
How that story can end
Maybe in a smokey glow
Twilight at the bungalow
Everybody knows, everybody knows
How that story can go
I was young
For a very long time
I was dumb
But the pleasure was mine
Run like a son of a gun
Fratch good by everyone
Daddy's gotta go, where he doesn't know
Bet it'll be in the sun
Give me a gun that shoots (Yeah)
Some mellotron fruits (Yeah)
Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
I'm a tree with roots
I was young
For a very long time
I was dumb
But the pleasure was mine
Hey you there
Let your mind go
Let it go
Oh
The lyrics to The Arcs' song "Young" paint a picture of a person who is constantly on the run, often with a little money to spend. The first verse sets the tone of the song, with the singer acknowledging that everyone knows how these sorts of stories can end. With lyrics like "smokey glow" and "twilight at the bungalow," the song creates an atmosphere of darkness and mystery. The second verse sees the singer getting into more trouble, with references to explosives and a tree with roots. The chorus, with its repeated phrase "I was young for a very long time," emphasizes the theme that the singer is getting older but still has a sense of youthfulness.
Interpreting this song can be difficult, as the lyrics are largely open to interpretation. However, based on the themes and atmosphere of the song, it could be argued that "Young" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of youth and the danger of getting caught up in one's own desires. The singer seems to be someone who has lived a reckless lifestyle, often putting themselves in danger simply because they can. Overall, "Young" is a moody, introspective song that leaves a lot of room for interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
I was on the run again
I was in a hurry to leave once again
Had a little money to spend
I had some cash on me to use
And everybody knows, everybody knows
This is a well-known fact to all
How that story can end
The ending of this story is predictable
Maybe in a smokey glow
Perhaps in a hazy atmosphere
Twilight at the bungalow
At dusk near a small house
I was young
I was youthful
For a very long time
For a significant duration
I was dumb
I was foolish
But the pleasure was mine
But I enjoyed it nonetheless
Run like a son of a gun
Run fast and energetically
Fratch good by everyone
Say goodbye to everyone casually
Daddy's gotta go, where he doesn't know
I have to leave without knowing where I'm going
Bet it'll be in the sun
I expect it to be warm and sunny
Give me a gun that shoots (Yeah)
Get me a modern keyboard instrument
Some mellotron fruits (Yeah)
Some synthesized sounds
Cause everybody knows, everybody knows
This is common knowledge
I'm a tree with roots
I have a strong foundation
Hey you there
Addressing someone in the vicinity
Let your mind go
Allow yourself to detach mentally
Let it go
Relax and let things happen
Contributed by Jordan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.