Michael Liot – vocals, ukulele, guitar, banjo, trumpet
Fabienne Débarre – vocals, keyboards, xylophone, glockenspiel, marimba, harmonica
William Serfass – vocals, percussions, rhythm loop, bass, electric guitar
Eighteen
We Were Evergreen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On day two there I found them hanging quietly from the door
You said you’d get used to situations like this
But i know it’s a sign that I’m not ready for this song
This naked wall is a trap, is a trap
It’s wearing me out like a name on a tag
On day three you were standing in the doorway with a smile
On day four there I lost you but you were running down the hall
I said I just want to be alone for a while
But you know it’s all because I always blow to flow
These years I’ve gone in the sand in the shame
I’m eighteen today what a mess I have made
The song "Eighteen" by We Were Evergreen is a reflection on the tumultuous nature of youth and the difficulties that come with growing up. The first verse details the search for the keys to the door, which highlights the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. The second day reveals that the keys were right where they were expected to be, suggesting that the anxieties of youth often result in overthinking and overcomplicating things. The singer admits that they are not prepared for the obstacles they are facing and that they are struggling to navigate their emotions.
The second verse sees a change in the singer's perspective, as they begin to acknowledge the impact that their behavior has on their relationships. The naked wall is used as a metaphor for vulnerability, and the singer feels trapped by their inability to express themselves. They compare the feeling of being trapped to a name tag that is wearing them down, which further emphasizes their feeling of entrapment. The third and fourth days show a relationship that is struggling to survive, with the singer trying to hold onto their independence and the other person trying to hold onto the relationship.
In the final lines of the song, the singer reflects on their past and acknowledges that they have made mistakes. They are now eighteen and can see the mess they have made of their life. This represents a turning point in the song, as the singer realizes that their actions have consequences and that they need to take responsibility for their life.
Line by Line Meaning
On day one I was looking trough my pockets for the keys
As the singer sets the scene, they express their search for something that will unlock their journey.
On day two there I found them hanging quietly from the door
The singer discovers that the thing they were looking for was always within reach but had gone unnoticed until now.
You said you’d get used to situations like this
Despite the singer's insecurities, someone in their life reassures them that the struggles they face will become familiar over time.
But i know it’s a sign that I’m not ready for this song
The artist recognizes that their inability to handle their current situation is an indication of their lack of preparedness for the future.
This naked wall is a trap, is a trap
The artist feels trapped and frustrated by a situation that offers no direction or guidance.
It’s wearing me out like a name on a tag
This situation has become tiring, with the singer feeling defined and limited by their circumstances.
On day three you were standing in the doorway with a smile
A ray of light comes into the picture in the form of someone with a positive energy, lifting the singer's spirit momentarily.
On day four there I lost you but you were running down the hall
Just as quickly as the positive energy came, it vanished, leaving the artist feeling lost and alone again.
I said I just want to be alone for a while
The artist attempts to distance themselves from others, seeking refuge or clarity.
But you know it’s all because I always blow to flow
The artist recognizes that their tendency to self-sabotage has contributed to their current state of confusion.
These years I’ve gone in the sand in the shame
The singer feels a sense of shame and regret about the years they've lost or wasted, represented as time that has slipped away like sand through their fingers.
I’m eighteen today what a mess I have made
The artist reflects on the mess they've made of their life so far as they mark the milestone of turning eighteen.
Writer(s): Fabienne Debarre, Michael Liot, William Serfass
Contributed by Alexander M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@erikamoro7027
On day one I was looking trough my pockets for the keys
On day two there I found them hanging quietly from the door
You said you’d get used to situations like this
But i know it’s a sign that I’m not ready for this song
This naked wall is a trap, is a trap
It’s wearing me out like a name on a tag
On day three you were standing in the doorway with a smile
On day four there I lost you but you were running down the hall
I said I just want to be alone for a while
But you know it’s all because I always blow to flow
These years I’ve gone in the sand in the shame
I’m eighteen today what a mess I have made
@NickCummings
This is the first mahogany video I ever came across. Thank you for giving musicians like this the spotlight they deserve :)
@somilam3568
Every year I come back to this and it still sounds fresh to my ears. Timeless song!
@sweetlullaby5156
I always come back to this song when I want to feel a little magic in my life
@erikamoro7027
On day one I was looking trough my pockets for the keys
On day two there I found them hanging quietly from the door
You said you’d get used to situations like this
But i know it’s a sign that I’m not ready for this song
This naked wall is a trap, is a trap
It’s wearing me out like a name on a tag
On day three you were standing in the doorway with a smile
On day four there I lost you but you were running down the hall
I said I just want to be alone for a while
But you know it’s all because I always blow to flow
These years I’ve gone in the sand in the shame
I’m eighteen today what a mess I have made
@leticiafrancisco9081
You should have Sleeping At Last perform a song on Mahogany Sessions. He’s my favorite artist. He has an amazing voice and it would be perfect for your channel.
@r.b_7875
Leticia Francisco yesss
@shalomitatevi2182
Agree!
@izabellalima5854
+
@ARJACE_
Best year of my life. 21 and so hopeful for the future but so blind to my faults. The melancholy vibes in this song sum it up perfectly.
@ndb9248
Beautiful arrangement!