This is a hauntingly beautiful song about introspection, specifically about looking back at a relationship that started bad and ended so poorly, that the narrator wants to go back to the very beginning and tell himself to not even travel down that road. I believe that the relationship started poorly because of the lines:
"Take me back to the night we met:When the night was full of terrors: And your eyes were filled with tears: When you had not touched me yet"
So, the first night was not a great start, but the narrator pursued the relationship and eventually both overcame the rough start to fall in love with each other:
"I had all and then most of you"
Like many relationships that turn sour, it was not a quick decline, but a gradual one where the narrator and their partner fall out of love and gradually grow apart
"Some and now none of you"
Losing someone who was once everything in your world, who you could confide in, tell your secrets to, share all the most intimate parts of your life, to being strangers with that person is probably one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. So Painful, the narrator wants to go back in time and tell himself to not even pursue the relationship.
This was the perfect song for "13 Reasons Why"
I've had enough of being programmed
And told what I ought to do
Let's get one thing straight
I'll choose my fate
It's got nothing to do with you
The years are flying by and it's time I got high
Took a sample of the good things in life
This is a chance I'm gonna take
Gonna kick out trouble and strife
I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong?
You don't have to be old to be wise
No, I don't care that the people stare
Accuse me of going mad
Just get a long hard look into the mirror
Then tell me now, who's been had?
The way things are going I won't get to show 'em
Go single all the time, up to me
So it's off with the ties
No compromise
Wanna taste what it's like to be free
I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong?
You don't have to be old to be wise
I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong?
You don't have to be old to be wise
Alright, I'm grabbing the reins
Holding the rope
Live and let live from now on
At last a free hand, no longer pre-planned
I got a will of my own
I go as I please, fend for myself
Pull all the stops, throw the dice
Out on my own, gonna go it alone
When I need it
Then I'll ask for advice
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
And told what I ought to do
Let's get one thing straight
I'll choose my fate
It's got nothing to do with you
The years are flying by and it's time I got high
Took a sample of the good things in life
This is a chance I'm gonna take
Gonna kick out trouble and strife
I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong?
You don't have to be old to be wise
No, I don't care that the people stare
Accuse me of going mad
Just get a long hard look into the mirror
Then tell me now, who's been had?
The way things are going I won't get to show 'em
Go single all the time, up to me
So it's off with the ties
No compromise
Wanna taste what it's like to be free
I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong?
You don't have to be old to be wise
I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong?
You don't have to be old to be wise
Alright, I'm grabbing the reins
Holding the rope
Live and let live from now on
At last a free hand, no longer pre-planned
I got a will of my own
I go as I please, fend for myself
Pull all the stops, throw the dice
Out on my own, gonna go it alone
When I need it
Then I'll ask for advice
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
You Don't Have to Be Old to Be Wise Lyrics as written by Kenneth Downing Glenn Raymond Tipton
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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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.
No comments?!! Wow! I love this song, it's a nice sample of Rob's vocals, emphasized by sleazy guitarr solos. It's got a nice beat, and the lyrics are uplifting, if not a little rebellious and defiant. Sometimes this is just what we need to get through the day/life. The easy rhythm of the song lends one to overlook the meaning of the lyrics. Anyway, Priest has always been underrated!