The Meaning Behind The Song: Only The Young by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s “Only The Young” was released in January 2020 as a part of the soundtrack of the documentary film, “Miss Americana.” The song, which was written and recorded in 2018 and 2019, has been described as an anthem for young people who feel powerless and frustrated with the current political climate. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the lyrics of “Only The Young” and how it relates to Swift’s personal and political beliefs.
The Inspiration Behind “Only The Young”
Swift was inspired to write “Only The Young” after the 2018 midterm elections, which saw a surge of young people engaged in politics. In an interview with Variety, Swift said that she felt a sense of hopelessness after the 2016 presidential election and wanted to capture the emotion and frustration of the young people who were fighting for change.
“I wrote it after the midterm elections, when there were so many young people who rallied for their candidate, whether it was a congressman or a senator or the Democratic nominee, and it was really amazing to see these young people engaged in the political process for the first time,” said Swift.
The Lyrics of “Only The Young”
The lyrics of “Only The Young” are filled with references to political events and social issues that have impacted the United States in recent years. Here are a few examples:
– Verse 1: “It keeps me awake, the look on your face / The moment you heard the news / You’re screaming inside, and frozen in time / You did all that you could do”
This verse could be referencing the shock and disappointment felt by many when Donald Trump was elected president in 2016. The line “you did all that you could do” suggests that young people feel powerless in the face of political upheaval.
– Verse 2: “It’s hard to sleep at night, wanna grab a sledgehammer and fight / Wanna smash all the lights and bring it to the floor”
This verse conveys the anger and frustration that many young people feel towards the government and those in power. The line “wanna grab a sledgehammer and fight” suggests a desire for violent rebellion, while “smash all the lights and bring it to the floor” could be interpreted as a desire to tear down the existing power structures.
– Chorus: “Only the young, only the young, only the young / Only the young, only the young, only the young / We’re up against a wall, up against the wall / They love to watch us fall, but all we are is / Only the young”
The chorus of “Only The Young” is a rallying cry for young people to stand up and make their voices heard. The line “we’re up against a wall, up against the wall” suggests that young people are contending with formidable obstacles, while “they love to watch us fall” could be interpreted as a reference to those in power who are dismissive of young people’s political activism.
The Political Message of “Only The Young”
The political message of “Only The Young” is one of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The song acknowledges the frustration and anger of young people who feel that their voices are not being heard, while simultaneously encouraging them to keep fighting for change.
In an interview with BBC Radio 1’s Nick Grimshaw, Swift spoke about the inspiration behind “Only The Young” and how she hopes it will inspire young people to get involved.
“I’m really proud of this song because I think it’s a rallying cry…It feels like an encouragement to young people to vote and to be involved and to know that their involvement in politics is necessary and vital because young people are the ones who are going to be living with the results of this November’s election for the rest of their lives,” said Swift.
The Reception of “Only The Young”
Upon its release, “Only The Young” received widespread critical acclaim. The song was praised for its powerful message and relatability to young people who feel frustrated with the current political climate.
In an article for The Atlantic, Spencer Kornhaber wrote that “Only The Young” is “an anthem for a youth movement that’s trying to forge a hopeful path forward in a cynical time.” Similarly, in a review for NME, Rhian Daly called the song “an impassioned call to arms.”
10 FAQs Related to “Only The Young”
1. What inspired Taylor Swift to write “Only The Young”?
2. What political events and issues are referenced in the lyrics of “Only The Young”?
3. What is the message of “Only The Young”?
4. How was “Only The Young” received by critics?
5. Was “Only The Young” a chart success?
6. Was “Only The Young” nominated for any awards?
7. Was a music video made for “Only The Young”?
8. What impact has “Only The Young” had on young people?
9. Has Taylor Swift performed “Only The Young” live?
10. Are there any other songs on the “Miss Americana” soundtrack that address political issues?
Answering the FAQs About “Only The Young”
1. Taylor Swift was inspired to write “Only The Young” after the 2018 midterm elections, which saw a surge of young people engaged in politics.
2. The lyrics of “Only The Young” reference issues such as the election of Donald Trump, the importance of voting, and the frustration of young people who feel powerless in the face of political upheaval.
3. The message of “Only The Young” is one of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The song encourages young people to get involved in politics and to keep fighting for change.
4. “Only The Young” received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful message and relatability to young people who feel frustrated with the current political climate.
5. “Only The Young” did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100, but it did chart in several other countries.
6. “Only The Young” was not nominated for any major awards.
7. No music video was made for “Only The Young.”
8. It is difficult to measure the impact that “Only The Young” has had on young people, but the song has been widely praised for its empowering message.
9. Taylor Swift has not yet performed “Only The Young” live, but fans hope that she will do so on future tours.
10. Some of the other songs on the “Miss Americana” soundtrack that address political issues include “The Man” and “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince.”
