Just ask Bradford Cox. He knows. Why, just a year ago, the Deerhunter frontman stumbled upon Caulfield’s organ-grinding rendition of “Rainwater Cassette Exchange” and said it’s “fantastically superior to the original. It actually sent shivers up my spine, especially during the second verse.”
Believe it or not, that chilling cover was just a warmup session. As killer as he is at capturing the very essence of everything from Animal Collective to Ariel Pink, Caulfied’s true talent is in telling his own Young Man stories. The first chapter of which goes by the name Boy, a deceivingly-simple suite of songs about wanting to grow up without having the slightest idea of what ‘being a man’ actually means.
Now that’s a reason to hit rewind, from the tone-setting tenderness and psych-infused harmonies of “Five” to the restless rhythms (Caulfield was a drummer well before he became a singer/guitarist) and room-engulfing intimacy of “Up So Fast.” Both of which feature some of the most hopeful/haunting choruses you’ll hear all year.
And that’s just the beginning, of course. Since Young Man was conceived as a concept project about the passing of time, love, and loss, Caulfield already has two loosely- linked LPs on tap—a faceless collection of fragile characters that could be any one of us, really.
“A lot of it’s autobiographical,” explains Caulfield, “but it’s universal at the same time, because everyone goes through these things.”
Listen closely. It’ll all make sense soon enough. Trust us."
Fate
Young Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not something new
nothing times as somethin you knew
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
It's no surprise
Stay it's not what you
expected
promptings took you in another direction
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
It's no surprise
Young Man's song Fate is a reflective piece that speaks to the unexpected nature of fate. Through the repetition of the phrase "oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh" and the assertion that fate is "not something new," the song draws attention to the cyclical nature of life and the idea that fate is something that has always existed and will continue to exist. The lines "nothing times as something you knew" suggest that the unexpected nature of fate is something that can never be fully comprehended or predicted.
The song encourages the listener to embrace their fate, whatever it may be, by acknowledging that it is "no surprise" and that sometimes, life takes us in unexpected directions. This is illustrated in the line "stay it's not what you expected," which suggests that even though the current situation may not be what was hoped for, it is still a part of one's fate and therefore should be accepted.
Line by Line Meaning
Fate
The concept of destiny
It's not something new
The idea of destiny is not a novel concept
nothing times as somethin you knew
Destiny is not determined by what you know or understand
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Repetitive sound conveying deep emotions
It's no surprise
The inevitability of destiny is not shocking
Stay it's not what you
The outcome of one's fate cannot be altered by simply staying in one place
Writer(s): Colin Caulfield Copyright: Smanly Music, Chrysalis Songs
Contributed by Micah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Zayuri
2018 and still the most underrated song !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Luis Valcarcel
2022
Amanda Cipili
I have loved this song since 4 years ago when I first heard it and I don't understand how he hasn't made it big yet. beautiful music, true talent, real art
Alexandra
I've liked him fr about the same amount of years. I listen to his music ALL THE TIME. I love 'Nothing' 'Enough' 'Five' 'Home Alone' and much more.
Amanda Cipili
I really don't understand how he hasn't blown up yet and made it big, he's so talented. I don't normally like this music style but I love his.
Alexandra
I agree. He's so talented and has a very unique style. I would love to see him live. What is your favorite song of his? I like 'Nothing' and 'Enough'
Amanda Cipili
+Alexandra A honestly this one is because it's the first song that introduced me to him. I love it
David B.
He joined the band diiv so I don't think he records or performs under the moniker Young Man anymore. It's kinda sad because his music is dope and I don't care for diiv.
Dapatster96
This is fantastic, I feel like the video really helps this song to be as great as it is!
Michael Granata
Just saw them live....absolutely beautiful.