Youth

The song "Youth" by Daughter, an indie folk band known for their ethereal sound and poignant lyrics, delves into the complex emotions associated with growing up and experiencing loss. The opening lines paint a picture of abandonment and the void left behind, suggesting a departure that has led to a sense of incompleteness. The phrase 'Destroy the middle it's a waste of time' could imply that dwelling on what's lost or the transitional phases in life is futile, and that one should focus on the beginning and end, the most impactful parts of an experience.

The chorus reflects on the resilience of the young, who despite the challenges and 'corrupted lungs' from the toxicity of life's experiences, continue to breathe and live. The act of 'setting fire to our insides for fun' metaphorically speaks to self-destructive behaviors that people sometimes engage in to feel alive or to cope with pain. Collecting names and pictures symbolizes the memories and scars from past relationships and hardships. The song suggests a collective experience among the youth, a shared recklessness and pursuit of the future, even though it's acknowledged that not everyone will make it to their envisioned destinations.

The latter part of the song becomes more personal, with the singer reflecting on their own loss and heartbreak. The silhouette and the damp eyes represent the fading identity and the tears shed over words and actions that have caused deep emotional wounds. The final verse touches on the universal experience of love and loss, and the coping mechanisms people use to distract themselves from the pain of missing someone they cared for deeply. The repetition of 'And you caused it' emphasizes the impact of another's actions on the singer's current state of being.