Twenty One

Khalid's song "Twenty One" delves into the complexities and emotional turbulence of turning 21, a significant milestone in many cultures. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young person grappling with newfound freedom and the pressures that come with it. The opening lines highlight the protagonist's struggle with alcohol as a coping mechanism, a common yet destructive way to deal with the overwhelming emotions and responsibilities that accompany adulthood. The mention of laying underneath the bleachers suggests a desire to escape and find solace in familiar, comforting places, away from the prying eyes of the world.

The chorus, with its poignant line "'Cause you're in pain, but who's to blame?", underscores the internal conflict and the search for accountability. It reflects the universal experience of young adults trying to navigate their way through life's challenges, often feeling lost and unsure of who or what is responsible for their struggles. The repetition of "hold on tight" serves as a reminder to persevere despite the difficulties, emphasizing resilience and the importance of staying strong during tough times.

In the latter part of the song, Khalid touches on themes of self-awareness and the difficulty of taking one's own advice. The lyrics reveal a sense of self-reflection and the acknowledgment of personal flaws, with lines like "I know I never take my own advice when I'm wrong". This introspection is crucial for growth and change, as highlighted in the final lines where the protagonist admits that to end the fight, they must change. The song encapsulates the essence of young adulthood – a period marked by self-discovery, emotional highs and lows, and the journey towards self-improvement.