Still Fighting It

Ben Folds Five's song "Still Fighting It" is a poignant reflection on the challenges and bittersweet moments of growing up, framed through the lens of a father speaking to his son. The song opens with a mundane yet intimate scene, where the father offers his son a meal, symbolizing the everyday moments that build the foundation of their relationship. The lyrics, "Everybody knows it hurts to grow up, and everybody does," capture the universal struggle of maturing, emphasizing that this journey is both painful and inevitable.

The chorus serves as a reminder that despite the passage of time, the struggles of growing up persist. The repetition of "we're still fighting it" underscores the ongoing nature of these challenges, suggesting that even as adults, we continue to grapple with the complexities of life. The father's apology, "And you're so much like me, I'm sorry," adds a layer of vulnerability, acknowledging the inherited struggles and the emotional weight of seeing his son face similar difficulties.

In the second verse, the father imagines a future where he and his son can reflect on the past over a few beers. This vision of the future is tinged with hope and nostalgia, as he recalls the day his son was born and how it changed everything. The line, "It was pain, sunny days and rain," encapsulates the mixed emotions of parenthood and life itself. The song's closing lines, "You'll try and try, and one day, you'll fly...away from me," highlight the inevitable separation that comes with growing up, yet also the pride and hope that accompany it.

"Still Fighting It" is a heartfelt exploration of the cyclical nature of life, the enduring struggles of growing up, and the deep bond between parent and child. It resonates with anyone who has faced the trials of maturing and the bittersweet experience of watching a loved one grow.