Vans

Arrested Youth's song 'Vans' delves into the struggles of self-identity and the search for purpose in a world filled with societal expectations. The opening lines, 'I was born in the dark / Darkness of my hunger and pain,' set a somber tone, suggesting a life marked by hardship and a deep-seated yearning for something more. This darkness is not just literal but metaphorical, representing the internal battles and emotional hunger that the artist faces. The repeated assertion that 'you can't take my hunger away' underscores a relentless drive and determination to overcome these struggles.

The chorus, 'Vans on my feet / Will carry me / This cold concrete / Will set me free,' uses the imagery of Vans shoes and concrete to symbolize freedom and resilience. Vans, a popular brand of skate shoes, are often associated with youth culture, rebellion, and individuality. By focusing on something as simple as a pair of shoes, the artist highlights how small, personal choices can become powerful symbols of identity and liberation. The 'cold concrete' represents the harsh realities of life, yet it is also the very thing that provides a path to freedom, suggesting that facing and overcoming challenges is what ultimately sets one free.

The song also touches on the pressure to conform to societal norms, such as achieving traditional milestones like owning a home and having a family. The lines 'Taught to believe that if we don't achieve / We're just another waste of space in front of a TV screen' reflect the fear of failure and the anxiety of not meeting these expectations. The artist expresses a fear of believing in oneself due to the potential judgment from peers, encapsulating the internal conflict between personal aspirations and external pressures. Despite these fears, the repeated mantra of 'Set me free' serves as a powerful declaration of the artist's desire to break free from these constraints and be true to themselves.