Young an Insane
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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In this town there is nothing at all
But a brown school and a dead shopping mall
The record store is execrable
We sit around blowing bubbles

'Cause we're young and insane
And we're running away for the summer
We're deprived and depraved
And we won't get away with it
Young and insane

When you're free in an antique car




For a week you will know who you are
In uninhabitable we go out to jump in puddles

Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields's song "Young and Insane" is a song about youth and the longing to escape the mundanity of everyday life. The opening lyrics set the scene of a town with nothing but a school and a dead shopping mall, where the record store is execrable. This paints a picture of a bleak and uninteresting place, which prompts the singers to yearn for adventure and excitement. The mention of "blowing bubbles" indicates a childlike innocence and a desire for whimsy.


The chorus of the song, "we're young and insane, and we're running away for the summer, we're deprived and depraved, and we won't get away with it," encapsulates the reckless abandon of youth. The use of "insane" and "depraved" implies a sense of rebellion and non-conformity. The singers are running away for the summer, a common trope in coming-of-age stories, and it's clear that they're aware that their actions have consequences.


The verse about driving an antique car and jumping in puddles suggests that the singers are finding joy in the simple pleasures in life, despite their desire for adventure. This further highlights the innocence and naivety of the youth, as they are able to find happiness in things that may seem mundane to adults.


Line by Line Meaning

In this town there is nothing at all
This town is devoid of any exciting activities or places to visit.


But a brown school and a dead shopping mall
The only places in this town are a dull school and a lifeless mall.


The record store is execrable
The music store in this town is terrible and of very low quality.


We sit around blowing bubbles
Due to lack of activities, the only thing to do is to sit around and blow bubbles.


'Cause we're young and insane
The youth are crazy and energetic due to their age.


And we're running away for the summer
They are trying to escape their mundane town for the summer season.


We're deprived and depraved
They are deprived of opportunities and depraved due to their boredom.


And we won't get away with it
They know that their escape won't be successful or long-lasting.


Young and insane
The youth are both young and wild.


When you're free in an antique car
Being free and adventurous in an old car is a thrilling experience.


For a week you will know who you are
A week-long adventure can make one understand their identity better.


In uninhabitable we go out to jump in puddles
Their town is unlivable, so they go out to jump in puddles for amusement.




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING

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