Hard days made me, hard nights shaped me
I don't know they somehow saved me
And I know I'm making something out of this life they called nothing
I take what I want
Take what I need
You say it's wrong but it's right for me
I won't look down
Won't say I'm sorry
I know that only God can judge me

And if I make it through today will tomorrow be the same
Am I just running in place?
If I stubble and I fall
Should I get up and carry on or will it all just be the same

'Cause, I'm young and hopeless
I'm lost and I know this
I'm going nowhere fast that's what they say
I'm troublesome, I've fallen
I'm angry at my father
It's me against this world and I don't care, I don't care

No one in this industry understands the life I lead
When I sing about my past it's not a gimmick not an act
These critics and these trust fund kids
Try to tell me what punk is but when I see them on the streets
they got nothing to say

And if I make it through today will tomorrow be the same
Am I just running in place?
If I stubble and I fall
Should I get up and carry on or will it all just be the same

'Cause, I'm young and hopeless
I'm lost and I know this
I'm going nowhere fast that's what they say
I'm troublesome, I've fallen
I'm angry at my father
It's me against this world and I don't care, I don't care

'Cause, I'm young and hopeless
I'm lost and I know this
I'm going nowhere fast that's what they say
I'm troublesome, I've fallen
I'm angry at my father
It's me against this world and I don't care, I don't care


Lyrics submitted by SebTheCrab

The Young & the Hopeless Lyrics as written by Joel Madden Benjamin Madden

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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The Young And The Hopeless song meanings
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76 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    Bright Eyes...you should follow what you preach because who is the 'shallow' one when you are judging members in this band because how they dress doesn't match their music? Who cares? Just let them dress how they want and play what they wanna play. And another thing, you should let people judge if they want to buy this cd for themselves because different things effect different people differently. I admit some good charlotte songs aren't that deep and emotional but there are also some that are. If their music and lyrics makes 1, just 1, persons day better than I wouldn't exactly call it 'worthless trash'. If you are going to judge a band because they have a few bad songs and because they are played on MTV, than that is the just as pathetic as someone listening to the band for an image.

    You want to know the 'epitome of everything I hate'? When people will judge a band or artist because they are 'selling out' by being played on MTV because in doing that all that person is doing is conforming to the nonconformist. Just get a life and let people form their own opinions about about this cd. Its one thing to say I dont like this band but its another to acuse every single person who buys this cd and enjoys only likes it for the image. That crap and you know it.

    bandaid424on August 24, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Ok let me start this off by saying, this whole argument u guys have going about whether or not this band is good is pointless and pretty immature. The fact of the matter is, this website wasnt created for people to bitch and moan about whether or not someone is good or bad, its about saying what u think a certain peice of music MEANS. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions about music, but that doesnt mean its ok to vent ure frustrations where they dont belong...speak ure mind elsewhere.

    Now, i think this song is basically talking about what its like to be famous and have people bashing on them jus cuz their not a fan, but they wont ever say nething to their face when it comes down to it.

    Razberylemonadeon August 25, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i can't wait for the new cd!!

    xLifebloodOfGCxon August 20, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    awsome song just downloaded it hehe dont wry i'll buy the cd too ;)

    addicted2musicon August 21, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    amazing. some of the songs on the new cd are gonna be grrrrreat. then there's lame ones like boys and girls and riot girl that are total pop :/

    katebon August 21, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i agree with little oberst up there

    xxbrybryxxon August 23, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Walk on with your bad self, my fellow Bright Eyes fan. This is pretentious crap.

    bright.eyed.girlon August 23, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    OK bright eyes.......WE GET THE POINT!! how many times are you gonna post the exact same thing, your opinion has been heard MORE than enough times although we dont all agree with you ......THANK YOU NOW PLEASE LET IT GO

    GCrockson August 24, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    just to piss all of u off thats y. y else would i.

    Xbright_eyesXon August 24, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    because your a pathetic lowlife who feels inferior about themselves and therefore must cut others down to make themselves feel better

    bandaid424on August 24, 2002   Link

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