Young & Free

Dermot Kennedy's 'Young & Free' is a poignant reflection on youth, freedom, and the inevitable passage of time. The song opens with a sense of uncertainty and introspection, as the narrator questions the direction of his life. The imagery of snow and wandering blind with his friends evokes a feeling of being lost yet hopeful. The mention of the Brooklyn to Manhattan bridge symbolizes a connection between past and present, a bridge between memories and current realities.

The chorus, with its repeated lines 'We were young, we were free,' serves as a nostalgic refrain, reminding the listener of a time when life was simpler and full of possibilities. The narrator's longing for that freedom is palpable, as he recalls living in the cold and the warmth of coming home. The line 'Her heart was never meant for this' suggests a love that was pure and untainted by the complexities of adult life, a love that remains a cherished memory despite the passage of time.

Throughout the song, Kennedy weaves a narrative of holding onto memories while acknowledging the need to move forward. The repeated phrase 'Keep it another fortnight' underscores the desire to cling to the past just a little longer, even though the inevitability of change is ever-present. The song's closing lines, 'Oh, when I'm gone, at the dune with the dawn, well that's all I could want,' encapsulate a sense of acceptance and peace, as the narrator finds solace in the beauty of the present moment, even as he reminisces about the past.