Sold Out

Yung Lean's 'Sold Out' is a haunting exploration of loss, disillusionment, and the ephemeral nature of youth. The song opens with a reference to Henrik Larsson, a Swedish football legend, which serves as a metaphor for something or someone that brings joy and stability in the artist's life. This figure is a beacon of happiness in otherwise grey skies, symbolizing a source of comfort and nostalgia amidst the chaos of existence.

The lyrics then delve into a more introspective and darker realm, where Yung Lean describes a sense of disappearing into a crowd, overwhelmed by sensory experiences like heavy perfume and tension. This imagery paints a picture of alienation and the struggle to find one's identity in a world that feels increasingly suffocating. The mention of eyes rolling back to a favorite tune suggests a momentary escape through music, yet it is fleeting and ultimately unfulfilling.

As the song progresses, Yung Lean reflects on the loss of youth and the disillusionment that comes with growing up. He speaks of killing his youth and watching it fall, indicating a sense of regret and the irreversible passage of time. The repeated lines about being high but feeling down, and the confusion about what is true, underscore a deep-seated existential crisis. The chorus, with its refrain of 'we sold out' and 'burned our sacred youth,' captures the essence of a generation that feels betrayed by its own choices and the societal pressures that led to their current state of disillusionment.

The song's melancholic tone is further emphasized by the recurring theme of impermanence, as relationships and moments of happiness are described as fleeting and ultimately falling into the void. This void represents the emotional and psychological distance that grows between individuals as they navigate the complexities of life. 'Sold Out' is a poignant reflection on the struggles of modern existence, the loss of innocence, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels devoid of it.