Eighteen

Beabadoobee's song 'Eighteen' captures the raw and relatable emotions of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. The lyrics express a deep-seated fear of growing up and the responsibilities that come with it. The opening lines, 'Don't wanna be eighteen with responsibilities / Sometimes I get scared of growing up,' set the tone for the entire song. The artist conveys a sense of dread about entering a world filled with 'broken dreams,' highlighting the disillusionment that often accompanies the end of childhood innocence.

The recurring mention of 'June the third' serves as a looming deadline, symbolizing the inevitable approach of adulthood. This date acts as a metaphor for the pressure and anxiety that come with growing older. The lines 'Coming closer and I'm / Nowhere near closure' emphasize the artist's feeling of unpreparedness and emotional turmoil. The song also touches on the desire to cling to the simplicity and safety of childhood, as seen in the lyrics 'In my bed I'm ten but I can't shut my eyes / I still wish I wore a school uniform.' This longing for the past underscores the fear of facing an uncertain future.

Beabadoobee also explores the theme of vulnerability through everyday scenarios. The lyrics 'Don't wanna be eighteen when I can't ride a bike / Still hang onto my sheets during storms' paint a picture of someone who feels unready for the adult world. The song's introspective nature is further highlighted by the line 'Kinda wish I stayed at my mother's home,' suggesting a yearning for the comfort and security of familial support. The final question, 'Are we gonna know what it's like to be blind?' adds a layer of existential uncertainty, encapsulating the fear of the unknown that often accompanies the transition to adulthood.