Future Kids

Sara Kays' song "Future Kids" delves into the poignant and deeply personal reflections of the artist on her childhood dreams and the harsh realities of adulthood. The song begins with a nostalgic look back at a time when the artist, as a child, meticulously planned her future, complete with idyllic images of houses and swings in the backyard. This innocent vision contrasts sharply with her current perspective, where the simplicity and clarity of those dreams have been clouded by the complexities of adult life.

The chorus reveals a profound fear: that her future children might inherit her struggles. Kays expresses concern that her children might grapple with the same insecurities and anxieties that keep her awake at night. The lyrics touch on the universal theme of self-improvement taken to an unhealthy extreme, where the desire to be better leads to self-criticism and a loss of self-love. This fear is so intense that she dreads the thought of her children experiencing the same inner turmoil.

In the second verse, Kays reflects on the names she chose for her future children when she was too young to understand the complexities of self-image and self-worth. She poignantly wishes to shield her children from the self-loathing she has experienced, hoping they never see themselves through the same critical lens. The song concludes with a bittersweet note, as she decides to keep her childhood book of dreams in a safe place, symbolizing a lingering hope and a reluctance to completely let go of her youthful aspirations.

"Future Kids" is a heartfelt exploration of the tension between childhood dreams and adult realities, and the deep desire to protect future generations from the same struggles. It resonates with anyone who has ever looked back at their younger self with a mix of nostalgia and regret, and who hopes for a better, kinder future for their children.