Days That Used To Be

Neil Young's 'Days That Used To Be' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the changes that come with it. The song opens with a sense of regret and longing for simpler times, where ideas and conversations flowed more freely. The lyrics 'Ideas that once seem so right / Now have gotten hard to say' suggest a shift in societal norms and personal beliefs, making it difficult to express oneself as openly as before. This sentiment is further emphasized by the line 'Cause there's very few of us left / My friend / From the days that used to be,' highlighting a sense of loss and the dwindling number of people who share the same memories and values from the past.

The second verse delves into the complexities of modern life, contrasting it with the simplicity of following one's dreams in the past. Young critiques the materialistic pursuits and societal pressures that 'drag you down / And load you down / In disguise of security.' This critique is a common theme in Young's work, where he often questions the true value of material possessions and societal expectations. The line 'But we never had / To make those deals / In the days that used to be' underscores a longing for a time when life was less complicated and more genuine.

In the final verse, Young reaches out to a 'long lost friend,' inquiring about their current life and whether they are truly happy. The questions about material success, such as 'Are you driving a new car / Does it get you where you wanna go / With a seven year warranty,' serve as a metaphor for the superficial measures of success in modern society. The repeated reference to 'days that used to be' serves as a powerful reminder of the simplicity and authenticity that once defined their lives. Through this song, Neil Young invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider what truly brings them happiness and fulfillment.