Youth Novel was an emotive … Read Full Bio ↴Known as Heavenly Blue from 2021 onward.
Youth Novel was an emotive hardcore band from Ann Arbor, Michigan formed in 2012 at the University of Michigan. The band featured shifting members throughout its tenure, some of whom didn't play at live shows but played on recorded material and vice-versa. The group played a few shows (see below) in the Michigan area before going on hiatus in 2016 after the majority of the members graduated and dispersed throughout the country. The band was known for their energetic, confrontational, and at times menacing live performances which could include physical contact with crowd members and equipment.
During the Covid-19 quarantine, members resurrected and completed a previously abandoned full-length record, which was released on Valentines Day of 2021 on Zegema Beach Records. Later that year following the departure of the last original members, the group changed their name to Heavenly Blue though they would continue to utilize material written during the Youth Novel period.
Members of Youth Novel have also played in Blue Noise, TheCheeseburgerPicnic, Vampires!!, Goodthink, (The Heart She) Holler, Girl Genes, Bonzo, Homestead, Odessa Girls, Mikiri Counter, The Mint, Megan Goes to Oregon, Serpent Column, Pipe Dreams, Heavy Sigh, Gwyneth, Lein.
-------releases-------
2013: "Demos" (pressed 25 to 5" lathe records by Driftwood Records)
2014: "Turned Around Abruptly Beside a Mirror and Jumped At My Own Reflection" (Skeletal Lightning Records [US], Zegema Beach Records [Canada])
2015: "The Gentle Harm of Tradition" split with Coma Regalia (Middle Man Records, Zegema Beach Records, Too Far Gone Records, Dingleberry Records)
2017: Discography (Digital Release)
2021: Youth Novel LP (Zegema Beach Records)
-------show history-------
2013
July 7, 2013: w/ Pet Symmetry, Sundials, Secret Grief, SRVVLST @ DAAC in Grand Rapids, MI
July 28, 2013: w/ Mid Nineties @ Angelo's house in Ferndale Michigan
September 6th, 2014: w/Brave Bird, hawk & sun @ Metal Frat in Ann Arbor
2014
Jan 25th, 2014: w/ Brave Bird @ Metal Frat in Ann Arbor
March 16th 2014: w/ 2194, Jamie from Temple, Former States, Mid Nineties @ Frozen Banana Stand in Ann Arbor
March 18th, 2014: w/ The Hotelier, Secret Grief, Osoosooso @ Metal Frat in Ann Arbor
May 25th, 2014: Bled Fest in Howell, MI
July 26th, 2014: Rockamura Fest @ Nakamura in Ann Arbor, MI
August 7th, 2014: w/ Neck First, Making Mirrors @ The Rockery in Wyandotte, MI
September 12th, 2014: Undead Wedding/Funeral @ Metal Frat in Ann Arbor, MI
September 14th, 2014: w/ Gas Up Yr Hearse‼, Ice Hockey, The Truth About Dreaming and Kuwabara @ Screamo Frat in Ann Arbor, MI
2015
February 19th 2015: w/ Oliver Houston, Cardboard Swords, Bonzo @ Metal Frat in Ann Arbor, MI
March 22th 2015: w/ The Exploration, Wicked Boy @ The Quad in Grand Rapids, MI
April 11th 2015: w/ Secret Grief, Bobbi Palace, American Dirtbike @ 96 Bronco House in Ypsilanti, MI
April 20th 2015: w/ Loma Prieta, The Heart Of, Eyesore, Touch @ Sanctuary in Detroit, MI
September 13th 2015: w/ Whenskiesaregray, The Truth About Dreaming, Ghosts of Poets @ Metal Frat in Ann Arbor, MI
November 6th 2015: w/ The Saddest Landscape, Empire! Empire!, Convenient Trash @ Mac's Bar in Lansing, MI
December 6th 2015: w/ Xerxes, Oliver Houston, Bonzo @ Metal Frat in Ann Arbor, MI
2016
January 6th 2016: w/ Facility, Weather Lore, Ourselves, Broadacre @ Sanctuary in Detroit. MI
IV
Youth Novel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i stay passive all the time
turned around too abrupt
and i startled my love
i only want to follow behind you
then i can be all that i want to
then i can be all that i have to
then i can be all that i want to
then i can be all that i have to be
ive never been so cold
but there's room to grow...
across the yard, children play
as i dig my grave
The lyrics of "IV" by Youth Novel speak about blindly following somebody and the consequences that come with it. In the first verse, the singer confesses that they stay blind and passive all the time like a prophet, which could also mean that they are following blindly. They admit to turning around too abruptly, causing them to startle their love. This implies that they have been so focused on following somebody that they have disregarded the feelings of the person they love.
In the chorus, the singer expresses their desire to follow the person they love to be all that they want and have to be. They want to mimic their every move and follow them blindly. The singer believes that by doing so, they can become the person they strive to be. However, this mindset comes with a downside, as the lyrics speak of digging one's grave while children play across the yard. This could mean that the singer is neglecting their own needs and desires by blindly following somebody, thus digging their own grave.
In conclusion, the lyrics of "IV" by Youth Novel are a reflection of blindly following somebody and the consequences that come with it. It also highlights the importance of respecting oneself and not neglecting one's own needs and desires.
Line by Line Meaning
like the prophet, i stay blind
I am intentionally choosing to ignore the harsh reality of my situation, similar to how religious prophets often did.
i stay passive all the time
I am not taking control of my life and instead allowing external forces to dictate my actions.
turned around too abrupt
I made a sudden change that caused confusion and unease in those around me.
and i startled my love
My actions caused my loved one to become frightened or upset.
i only want to follow behind you
I lack direction and purpose in my life, and I'm hoping to find guidance by following someone else.
then i can be all that i want to
If I follow someone else, I believe I can become the person I've always wanted to be.
then i can be all that i have to
I believe that following someone else is necessary for me to achieve my goals and fulfill my responsibilities.
i only want to mimic all your moves
I am not confident in my own abilities and am hoping to become successful by imitating someone else's actions.
ive never been so cold
I am feeling emotionally distant and isolated from those around me.
but there's room to grow...
Despite my current struggles, I believe that there is the opportunity for me to improve and change.
across the yard, children play
Despite my personal turmoil, life goes on and others are still able to find joy and happiness.
as i dig my grave
I am engaging in self-destructive behavior that is preventing me from living a fulfilling life.
Contributed by Aiden S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sarah Manyar
like the prophet, i stay blind
i stay passive all the time
turned around too abrupt
and i startled my love
i only want to follow behind you
then i can be all that i want to
then i can be all that i have to
i only want to mimic all your moves
then i can be all that i want to
then i can be all that i have to be
ive never been so cold
but there's room to grow...
across the yard, children play
as i dig my grave
Negrofluorescente
I only want to follow behind you…