Only The Young

Journey's 'Only The Young' captures the essence of youthful optimism and the desire for freedom. The song, with its anthemic melody and uplifting lyrics, speaks to the heart of a generation that stands on the precipice of the future, full of dreams and aspirations. The repeated lines 'Only the young can say / They're free to fly away' emphasize the sense of liberation that youth provides, suggesting that young people possess an exclusive claim to freedom and the ability to pursue their desires without restraint.

The lyrics also touch upon the disillusionment that can come with growing up, as the young characters in the song 'see through the promises / And all the lies they dare to tell.' This indicates a realization that the world is not as simple or as just as they might have once believed. Despite this, there is a resilient spirit in the song, as it celebrates the boldness and strength of the young who 'carry on' in the face of such revelations. The metaphor of 'burnin' like wildfire' conveys the intense passion and energy of youth, which can spread rapidly and affect change.

Culturally, 'Only The Young' resonates with the timeless theme of the coming-of-age experience. It reflects the universal journey of finding one's place in the world while navigating the challenges that come with it. The song, released in the 1980s by Journey, a band known for their arena rock anthems, encapsulates the era's spirit of hope and the belief in the power of the individual to make a difference. It's a call to the young to embrace their time and the unique opportunities it presents.