We Were Never Young

Raised By Swans' song "We Were Never Young" delves into the complex interplay between innocence and experience, capturing the bittersweet essence of growing up. The opening line, "we were never young," sets a paradoxical tone, suggesting that the innocence of youth was overshadowed by the weight of unspoken emotions and experiences. The imagery of hearts speaking through walls "too thin to hold the weight of what they heard" evokes a sense of vulnerability and the inevitable intrusion of reality into the idealized world of childhood. This metaphor of fragile walls and creeping fires symbolizes the gradual erosion of innocence as life's complexities seep in.

The lyrics continue to paint a vivid picture of a time when notes were "pushed under the doors" and "frozen to the floor," indicating a period of emotional stasis and unfulfilled communication. The mention of leaves "whirring like a nest of wound-up starlings" adds a layer of chaotic beauty, reflecting the tumultuous yet enchanting nature of youthful experiences. Despite these undercurrents of tension, the refrain "we were young" serves as a nostalgic reminder of a time when the simple act of hearing birds sing was enough to feel loved and secure.

The song's closing lines draw a poignant comparison between the fleeting nature of youth and the vast, enduring universe. By likening their youth to the universe and their mothers, the lyrics suggest a cyclical pattern of innocence and experience, where each generation undergoes similar trials and revelations. The final line, "like these words," underscores the power of language to capture and immortalize these ephemeral moments. Raised By Swans masterfully uses poetic imagery and metaphors to explore the duality of youth, making "We Were Never Young" a hauntingly beautiful reflection on the passage of time and the loss of innocence.