Thomas Ian Nicholas (born July 10, 1980) is an American actor, film produce… Read Full Bio ↴Thomas Ian Nicholas (born July 10, 1980) is an American actor, film producer and singer. He is best known for playing Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year, Walt Disney in Walt Before Mickey and Kevin Myers in the American Pie film series. He starred in the 2021 film Adverse with Mickey Rourke.
Nicholas self-released his debut album, Without Warning, on January 15, 2008, and his follow-up album, "Without Warning Acoustic" on February 28, 2009. His third release was Heroes Are Human, put out on June 1, 2010. His fourth release is a self-titled EP, released March 20, 2012; the first single "My Generation" also appears as part of the American Reunion soundtrack album. His fifth release is the EP Security released on April 8, 2014.
In March 2015, Nicholas appeared on Blues Traveler's album Blow Up the Moon, co-writing the song "All the Way."
Nicholas (second from right) performing "1999" with Bowling for Soup on its release day
On July 9, 2022, Nicholas released "1999", a single that parodied the Bowling for Soup song "1985".

My Generation
Thomas Nicholas Band Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

So many wasted days that I cannot erase.
All the games we played growing up in this maze.
Don't want to hear about how I need to change my ways,
don't want to hear about what you really think of me

This is my life, I'm gonna live it up
don't waste my time when there's never enough
You don't understand my aggravation

So don't mess with my generation

I'm sick of listening to my boss telling me how
I am always late and how he wants to fire me
Don't want to hear about how I need to change my ways,
don't want to hear about what you really think of me

This is my life, I'm gonna live it up
don't waste my time when there's never enough
You don't understand my aggravation
So don't mess with my generation

Someday you'll see everything that I said I would be.
One day I'll figure it out but can you hear me now

This is my life, I'm gonna live it up
don't waste my time when there's never enough

You don't understand my aggravation
So don't mess with my generation

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Thomas Nicholas Band's song My Generation are an expression of frustration, rebellion and determination of the younger generation. The opening line, "So many wasted days that I cannot erase," hints at regret of past actions and missed opportunities. The following line, "All the games we played growing up in this maze," refers to the challenges and complexities that the younger generation faces in navigating life. The next two lines express annoyance towards those who criticize and judge them by saying, "Don't want to hear about how I need to change my ways, don't want to hear about what you really think of me."

The chorus is a declaration of independence and the rejection of conformity. The lines, "This is my life, I'm gonna live it up, don't waste my time when there's never enough" suggest that the younger generation wants to live life on their terms and not be bogged down by societal expectations or restrictions. The last two lines of the chorus, "You don't understand my aggravation, so don't mess with my generation" hint at the frustration and division that exists between the younger and older generations.

The second verse is a continuation of the themes in the first verse. The lines, "I'm sick of listening to my boss telling me how, I am always late and how he wants to fire me" express the pressure placed on the younger generation to meet the expectations of authority figures. However, despite this pressure, the younger generation refuses to conform and is determined to live life on their own terms.

In the bridge, the singer expresses confidence in their abilities, "Someday you'll see everything that I said I would be. One day I'll figure it out but can you hear me now" This is a defiant message to those who doubt their abilities or underestimate their potential

Overall, 'My Generation' is a song that speaks to the frustration and determination of the younger generation. It expresses a desire to break free from societal norms and live life on their terms.

Line by Line Meaning

So many wasted days that I cannot erase.
There are many days that I have wasted during my life which I cannot undo or forget.

All the games we played growing up in this maze.
During our childhood, we played many games while navigating through the complexities of life.

Don't want to hear about how I need to change my ways,
I do not wish to hear any advice or criticism from others about changing who I am or how I live my life.

don't want to hear about what you really think of me
I also do not want to hear any negative opinions that you have about me.

This is my life, I'm gonna live it up
I am the sole owner of my life and I will live it on my own terms and enjoy it to the fullest.

don't waste my time when there's never enough
I do not appreciate it when people waste my time as it is a valuable and limited commodity.

You don't understand my aggravation
Others cannot comprehend the frustration and annoyance I feel due to various reasons.

So don't mess with my generation
Therefore, others should not interfere with the way my generation chooses to live its life and should respect our decisions.

Someday you'll see everything that I said I would be.
In due time, others will recognize that I have achieved all the things that I said I would achieve.

One day I'll figure it out but can you hear me now
Although I may not have everything figured out at this moment, I hope that you can hear my voice and my opinions.

Contributed by Lauren L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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