Growing Up is Getting Old

Teddy Swims' song 'Growing Up is Getting Old' captures the poignant and often bittersweet experience of transitioning from youth to adulthood. The lyrics reflect a sense of nostalgia and the inevitable changes that come with growing older. The opening lines, 'Growing up is getting old / I can't fit my favorite clothes,' immediately set the tone for the song, highlighting the physical and emotional transformations that accompany aging. The mention of staying up late, getting stoned, and drunk suggests a struggle to cope with these changes, perhaps using substances as a way to escape or numb the feelings of loss and confusion.

The song also touches on the theme of making mistakes and learning from them, as seen in the lines, 'I still make the same mistakes / Like I did at Jackson Lake.' This repetition of past errors underscores the difficulty of personal growth and the cyclical nature of life's challenges. The reference to Jackson Lake could be a metaphor for a significant place or time in the artist's life, symbolizing moments of both joy and regret. The chorus, 'Time goes by, I don't understand it / Tell me why life starts to lose its magic,' encapsulates the bewilderment and disillusionment that often accompany adulthood, yet there is a glimmer of hope and connection when looking into a loved one's eyes.

The song also delves into the inevitability of loss, particularly with the lines about the artist's parents, 'My parents won't be here for long / Should see 'em more before they're gone.' This acknowledgment of mortality adds a layer of urgency and poignancy to the song, reminding listeners of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing relationships. Despite the melancholy tone, the song ends on a hopeful note, with the repeated affirmation that the artist still feels a sense of magic and connection when looking into a loved one's eyes. This silver lining suggests that while growing up may be challenging and filled with loss, there are still moments of beauty and love that make the journey worthwhile.