Garden
The Collection Lyrics

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As soon as their words all came out
it felt just like the walls that you'd spent so long tearing down
so you hid inside a closet made of gowns
walking on that line makes you feel stuck
its so hard when you grow pretty before you grow up
because you never quite have time to find out what you want

but there is love in your hands, you only have to take out them

and never use them as a shield again

a cross hangs around your neck so loose
and though it brings you life, sometimes it feels just like a noose
but god is not disappointed in you
but love and beauty haunt you in your dreams
and fish turn into whales in front of me
as we try to find the depth of this whole sea

heaven comes in waves, some days you're drowning

some days you're saved
but it always feels like swimming either way.

Overall Meaning

The song "The Younger One" by The Collection is a heartbreaking portrayal of a young person who is struggling with feeling trapped and stuck. The opening lines speak to the feeling of being overwhelmed and boxed in by other people's expectations and judgments. The walls that the singer has been working to tear down are rebuilt by the judgments of others, and the only solution seems to be hiding away, surrounding themselves with the trappings of youth and immaturity, represented by the closet full of gowns.

The second verse delves deeper into the singer's internal struggles. They feel trapped between their youth and their desire to grow up and mature. The line "you grow pretty before you grow up" speaks to the societal pressure on young people, particularly women, to present themselves as attractive and mature before they may be authentically ready for that stage of life. Throughout the song, the singer is searching for meaning and purpose, grappling with the feeling of being stuck in between childhood and adulthood.

However, the song is ultimately a message of hope. The bridge speaks to the idea that love is always available, and the singer only needs to take hold of it to break free from the limitations that have been placed upon them. There is a struggle inherent in the search for purpose and meaning, but there is always hope that things can get better. The final lines of the song, "Heaven comes in waves, some days you're drowning, some days you're saved, but it always feels like swimming either way" capture the idea that while life may be difficult, there is always movement and progress, and that even when we feel like we're drowning, we're still moving forward.

Line by Line Meaning

As soon as their words all came out
As soon as they spoke, it felt like the walls you had worked so hard to break down were rebuilt.

it felt just like the walls that you'd spent so long tearing down
Their words made you feel trapped, as if the progress you had made in tearing down emotional barriers was undone.

so you hid inside a closet made of gowns
You sought refuge in a place that represents femininity, perhaps because it made you feel safe or comforted.

walking on that line makes you feel stuck
Navigating the space between childhood and adulthood leaves you feeling uncertain and stagnant.

its so hard when you grow pretty before you grow up
Your physical appearance may have advanced beyond your emotional maturity, leading to a sense of being out of sync with yourself and the world.

because you never quite have time to find out what you want
The pressure to mature quickly can make it difficult to figure out personal wants and needs.

but there is love in your hands, you only have to take out them
You have the ability to give and receive love, you just need to open yourself up to do so.

and never use them as a shield again
Don't use love as a defense mechanism to protect yourself from the world and its challenges.

a cross hangs around your neck so loose
You wear a symbol of faith that sometimes feels disconnected or meaningless.

and though it brings you life, sometimes it feels just like a noose
While your faith may have brought you fulfillment in the past, in certain situations it feels like a burden or source of guilt.

but God is not disappointed in you
Despite any perceived flaws or mistakes, you are deserving of love and acceptance from a higher power.

but love and beauty haunt you in your dreams
You are drawn to the idea of love and aesthetics, whether consciously or subconsciously.

and fish turn into whales in front of me
Your perception of the world is subject to change, as small things can become larger and more impactful.

as we try to find the depth of this whole sea
As humans, we attempt to delve deeper into the mysteries of life and existence.

heaven comes in waves, some days you're drowning
The concept of heaven can alternately provide comfort or seem unattainable and overwhelming.

some days you're saved
In some moments or periods of life, finding hope and salvation can feel possible and bring a sense of peace.

but it always feels like swimming either way.
Life is an ongoing struggle, but it is possible to persevere and keep moving forward.

Contributed by Caroline O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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