I Feel Just Like a Child

Devendra Banhart's song "I Feel Just Like a Child" delves into the theme of perpetual innocence and the enduring nature of childlike wonder. The repetitive chorus, "Well I feel just like a child," emphasizes the artist's identification with the simplicity and purity of childhood. This sentiment is reinforced by the line, "From my womb to my tomb, I guess I'll always be a child," suggesting that this sense of innocence is an intrinsic part of his identity, persisting throughout his life.

The lyrics also explore the tension between societal expectations and personal identity. Banhart sings about people trying to treat him like a man, but he insists that he remains a child at heart. This juxtaposition highlights the struggle between conforming to adult responsibilities and maintaining a sense of childlike freedom. The line, "They think I know shit, but that's just it, I'm a child," underscores his resistance to being pigeonholed into adult roles and responsibilities.

Throughout the song, Banhart lists various needs and dependencies, such as needing help to tie his shoes, comb his hair, and understand complex issues like war. These requests symbolize a yearning for guidance and support, akin to a child's reliance on a caregiver. The imagery of needing someone to read him a book or help him blow his nose further reinforces this dependency. By expressing these needs, Banhart underscores the vulnerability and openness that come with embracing one's inner child.

The song also touches on the idea of imaginary friends and the importance of play, as seen in the lines about recognizing his friends and crawling around the floor. This element of the lyrics highlights the value of imagination and creativity, which are often associated with childhood. Banhart's insistence on maintaining these qualities suggests a desire to preserve the joy and wonder of youth, even in the face of adult challenges.

Overall, "I Feel Just Like a Child" is a celebration of the enduring spirit of childhood and a reminder of the importance of retaining a sense of innocence and wonder throughout one's life. Banhart's whimsical and introspective lyrics invite listeners to reconnect with their own inner child and embrace the simplicity and purity that come with it.