Only The Young

Taylor Swift's 'Only The Young' is a song that captures the spirit of youth and the power they hold to enact change. The lyrics reflect a sense of urgency and a call to action, particularly in the face of adversity and societal issues. Swift uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the challenges faced by the younger generation, such as the fear of violence ('You go to class scared') and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the state of the world ('The game was rigged, the ref got tricked').

The chorus, 'Only the young can run,' serves as a rallying cry for young people to take initiative and use their unique position to make a difference. The repetition of 'Only the young' emphasizes the potential and responsibility that comes with youth. Swift suggests that while the older generations may be set in their ways ('The wrong ones think they're right'), it is the young who are capable of running towards change and crossing the 'finish line' of progress.

The song also touches on the theme of disillusionment with the current state of leadership ('They aren't gonna help us, too busy helping themselves'). Swift encourages her listeners not to rely on those in power but to take matters into their own hands ('We gotta do it ourselves'). The message is clear: the youth should not be underestimated, and they have the strength to fight for what is right, despite the exhaustion and obstacles they may face ('Don't say you're too tired to fight').