Youth is a song by the British indie rock band Glass Animals. It is the second track on their second studio album, How to Be a Human Being, and was released on July 27th 2016 as the album's second single.
Background and Meaning[]
In an interview with Paste Magazine, Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley explained the meaning behind "Youth":
"The idea for this one came from a story someone told me once. They were telling me about their child, and something awful had happened to them. She was crying—but at the same time the memories that they had from that previous life made her so happy—so she was also smiling. That combination of emotions kind of made me feel like my heart was being ripped apart but also optimistic in a weird way. She had found a way to see happiness in this awful thing that had happened to her. That combination of emotions is what this song is getting at. Have a look at this character’s website, too."[1]
Lyrics[]
Boy, when I left you, you were young
I was gone, but not my love
You were clearly meant for more
Than a life lost in the war
I want you to be happy
Free to run, get dizzy on caffeine
Funny friends that make you laugh
And maybe you're just a little bit dappy
Fly
Feel your mother at your side
Don't you know you got my eyes?
I'll make you fly
You'll be happy all the time
I know you can make it right
Boy, now your life is back to front
But you'll see that's not for long
'Cause I know you'll feel the ghost
Of some memories so warm
Boy, I want you to be happy
Free to run, get dizzy on caffeine
Funny friends that make you laugh
And maybe you're just a little bit dappy
Fly
Feel your mother at your side
Don't you know you got my eyes?
I'll make you fly
You'll be happy all the time
I know you can make it right
Boy, I want you to be happy
Free to run, get dizzy on caffeine
Funny friends that make you laugh
And maybe you're just a little bit dappy
Fly
Feel your mother at your side
Don't you know you got my eyes?
I'll make you fly
You'll be happy all the time
I know you can make it right
I'll make you
Boy, I want you to be happy
Free to run, get dizzy on caffeine
Funny friends that make you laugh
And maybe you're just a little bit