The band released their debut self-titled album, Young the Giant, on 25 January 2011, which was preceded by a digital-only release in October 2010. The first single, "My Body," reached #5 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, and a second single, "Cough Syrup," reached #3 on the same chart.
Previously, the band was known as The Jakes. They released a 7 song EP, Shake My Hand, in 2008, which including two songs ("Garands" and "Cough Syrup") now on the current self-titled album Young the Giant.
Tightrope
Young the Giant Lyrics
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My momma told me, "Son You look so serious"
(Smile and have some fun)
When I was seventeen
My father let me know
"Life isn't fun and games
Gotta sell your soul!"
So close to where I started
I went to war for peace of mind
But what's it for?
I'm dancing on a tightrope
No time to mess around
Just trying to let my mind go
I'm never coming down
I found a preacher man
To help me understand
What we are doing here (What comes after life)
And now the years have passed
Been to the moon and back
And all I've realized (No one knows but me)
I don't know how I ended up
So close to where I started
I went to war for peace of mind
But what's it for?
I'm dancing on a tightrope
No time to mess around
Just trying to let my mind go
I'm never coming down
I'm never coming down
I'm never coming down
Teachers always say stay in between the lines
Momma said be quiet if you can't say something nice
Doctors always say take these pills for your health
But now I can't remember how to think for myself
I'm dancing on a tightrope
No time to mess around
Just trying to let my mind go
I'm never coming down
I'm never coming down
I'm never coming down
The lyrics of Young the Giant's song "Tightrope" touch on themes of societal expectations, the pursuit of happiness, and the struggle to maintain individuality. The song begins with the singer reflecting on their childhood, where their mother encourages them to have fun and enjoy life, while their father imparts a more serious view of the world, suggesting that success requires sacrificing one's authenticity.
As the song progresses, the singer expresses a sense of confusion about how they ended up feeling trapped and limited, despite their initial aspirations for peace of mind. The metaphor of dancing on a tightrope represents the precarious nature of their existence, as they navigate through life without losing their sense of self.
The mention of a preacher man may symbolize the search for spiritual guidance or a quest for answers about the meaning of life. Despite experiencing significant milestones like going to the moon (potentially a metaphor for personal achievements), the singer acknowledges that they alone understand their internal struggles and the complexity of their journey.
The final verse highlights the societal pressures and expectations that the singer has encountered. They mention teachers urging them to conform, their mother enforcing politeness, and doctors prescribing medication for their well-being. However, in the process, they have lost touch with their own ability to think independently.
Overall, "Tightrope" explores the tension between societal demands, personal desires, and the struggle to maintain individuality in a world that often discourages it.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was just a boy
In my childhood, when I had a naive perspective
My momma told me, "Son You look so serious"
My mother advised me to lighten up and enjoy life
When I was seventeen
During my teenage years
My father let me know
"Life isn't fun and games
Gotta sell your soul!"
My father warned me that life is serious and I have to sacrifice for success
I don't know how I ended up
So close to where I started
I am surprised by how little progress I have made
I went to war for peace of mind
But what's it for?
I engaged in conflicts seeking inner peace, but now I question its purpose
I'm dancing on a tightrope
No time to mess around
Just trying to let my mind go
I'm never coming down
I am navigating a precarious balance, focused on freeing my mind and refusing to give up
I found a preacher man
To help me understand
What we are doing here
I sought guidance from a religious figure to comprehend the purpose of existence
And now the years have passed
Been to the moon and back
And all I've realized
After experiencing various things and traveling extensively, I have come to a realization
I don't know how I ended up
So close to where I started
I am once again surprised by how little progress I have made
Teachers always say stay in between the lines
Educators often advocate for staying within societal boundaries
Momma said be quiet if you can't say something nice
My mother taught me to refrain from speaking if I can't be kind
Doctors always say take these pills for your health
Medical professionals commonly prescribe medication for one's wellbeing
But now I can't remember how to think for myself
However, I have lost the ability to think independently
I'm never coming down
I am determined to maintain my elevated perspective and avoid falling back into complacency
I'm never coming down
I am resolute in not succumbing to societal pressures and limitations
I'm never coming down
I am committed to keeping my mind liberated and refusing to conform
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eric Matthew Cannata, Francois Paul Comtois, Jacob John Tilley, Michael A Elizondo, Payam Reza Doostzadeh, Sameer Gadhia
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind