When We Were Younger
SOJA
The Quest for Meaning: Reflecting on SOJA's 'When We Were Younger'
SOJA's song 'When We Were Younger' delves into the introspective journey of aging and the evolving nature of the questions we ask ourselves throughout life. The lyrics express a sense of nostalgia for the simplicity of youth, a time when the singer felt he had all the answers. As he grows older, however, he realizes that what he once considered answers have transformed into questions, suggesting a deeper understanding of life's complexities and uncertainties.
The song touches on existential themes, pondering the purpose of life, the inevitability of pain and suffering, and the fleeting nature of happiness. It questions the disparities in the human condition, where some are born with abundance while others chase unattainable dreams. The reference to the Middle East likely symbolizes a place of ongoing conflict and turmoil, hinting at the singer's concern for global peace and the future of humanity.
SOJA also explores the concept of love and its various interpretations, questioning whether true love is singular, multiple, or a human construct. The artist wonders about the afterlife, the possibility of reincarnation, and whether the connections we make in this life will persist beyond it. The recurring motif of questioning underscores the idea that with age and experience, certainty gives way to contemplation and the search for deeper truths.