You've been a juvenile
With a dolphin smile
With no elbow room
With your body in bloom
You've had your little backyard
Protected by big walls
You didn't dare look over
'Cause you've been too small

Now you're finally sixteen
And you feelin' old
But they won't believe
That you got a soul
'Cause you're only sixteen
And you're feeling real
But you can't seem to cop a feel

Why do they have to force us
Through this metamorphose
Little butterfly
No matter how you try
You'll be segregated
You're gonna be closed off
You're callow and you're green
'Cause you're caught between

You're only sixteen
Try to cross the line
But your little wings are intertwined
Well, you're only sixteen
And you're such a tease
And there's nothing you do
That can really please

"These children
They're not really bad most of them
They're just products
Of rotten neighborhoods
And bad family situations"

You know you can't forsake it
So sit back and take it
You see you're just not ripe
So don't try and fight that

You're only sixteen
You wanna catch a peek
But they look at you
Like you're such a freak
Well you're only sixteen
With a lot to say
But they won't give you
The time of day

Well, you're only sixteen! (You're only sixteen!)
Well, you're only sixteen! (You're only sixteen!)
Yeah, you're done sixteen! (You're only sixteen!)
You poor little thing


Lyrics submitted by Ice

Sixteen Lyrics as written by Tony Stefani

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Sixteen song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

11 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    Lol to bubblelicious, who didn't understand the term "irony."

    rupeeloveon August 13, 2008   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
When We Were Young
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Album art
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.