23

Reneé Rapp's song '23' delves into the emotional turbulence and existential questioning that often accompany the transition into young adulthood. The title itself, '23,' references the age that many consider a milestone, often dubbed the 'Jordan year' in homage to Michael Jordan's iconic jersey number. This age is frequently associated with high expectations and the pressure to achieve greatness. However, Rapp's lyrics reveal a stark contrast between these societal expectations and her personal reality, as she grapples with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

The song's opening lines, 'It's my Jordan year / And I thought this shit would look good on me / But I just feel weird,' set the tone for the rest of the track. Rapp expresses a sense of disillusionment, feeling that despite reaching this significant age, she hasn't achieved the sense of accomplishment or confidence she anticipated. The recurring theme of not being able to 'fly' symbolizes her struggle to meet her own and others' expectations. This metaphor of flight, or the lack thereof, underscores her feelings of being stuck or grounded despite her efforts.

Throughout the song, Rapp reflects on the past year, noting that 'three hundred sixty-five days later, I still haven't learned to calm down.' This line highlights her ongoing battle with anxiety and the pressure to appear as though she has everything under control. The chorus, with its poignant question, 'So, how old do you have to be / To live so young and careless?' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the yearning for the carefree nature of youth while simultaneously feeling the weight of adult responsibilities. Rapp's wish to 'care less' at twenty-three speaks to a desire for emotional freedom and self-acceptance, a common struggle for many young adults.

The song also touches on the superficiality of social perceptions, as seen in the lines 'Everything looks good on paper / Displayed on the shelf.' Despite outward appearances of success, Rapp feels misunderstood and isolated, a sentiment echoed in her interactions with exes and the hollow birthday wishes she receives. The closing lines, 'I hope that I'll see twenty-four / I hope I'll understand me more,' convey a sense of hope and a desire for self-discovery and growth, even amidst the uncertainty and fear that characterize this stage of life.