Obvious Bicycle Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Mikkel04 

Cover art for Obvious Bicycle lyrics by Vampire Weekend

I think this song is about the Millenial generation's struggle to find success.

"Oh, you oughta spare your face the razor, Because no one’s gonna spare the time for you. You oughta spare the world your labor It’s been twenty years and no one’s told the truth."

Ezra's generation was promised from a young age that if they went to school and worked hard, they would get good jobs and be successful, but "It's been twenty years and no one's told the truth."

This song is a plea from Ezra to people of his generation to "spare the world your labor" trying to impress older generations, because "no one's going to spare the time for you." I believe the cry "don't wait" is a plea for a younger generation to take risks and build something new, rather than continually struggling to succeed under an old paradigm.

I agree with you on that completely. I would also add that no one is going to pay attention to you if you don't make yourself noticed. No one cares. You have to take charge and action.