Young & Wild

John Butler Trio John Butler Trio

The Fleeting Nature of Youth and Recklessness

The song 'Young & Wild' by John Butler Trio captures the essence of youthful exuberance and the inevitable passage of time. The lyrics reflect on a time when life was lived in a rush, much like 'melted snow in your blue eyes,' symbolizing the fleeting and transient nature of youth. The song speaks to the lies and illusions that often accompany young love and the reckless abandon with which the young live their lives. The imagery of building 'castles high upon the rise' suggests grand dreams and ambitions, often built on unstable foundations.

The chorus, repeating 'Oh, so young, young and wild,' serves as both a celebration and a lament. It acknowledges the freedom and wildness of youth while also hinting at the consequences that come with it. The lines 'We got in real deep they all could see / Running from the sun casting our shadows' suggest a sense of inevitability and the inescapable nature of one's actions. The mention of 'gallows' and 'lies' adds a darker tone, indicating that the recklessness of youth can lead to self-destruction.

As the song progresses, it shifts to a more reflective tone. The lyrics 'Tell me where life goes with some old friends / 'Cause we don't see each other anymore' highlight the changes that come with time and the drifting apart of once-close relationships. The metaphor of burning candles at both ends signifies a life lived intensely but unsustainably. The song ends on a poignant note, with the realization that 'where we have been no one will ever know,' emphasizing the unique and unrepeatable nature of youthful experiences.

Share on social media Share as link
  1. Better than
  2. Groovin Slowly
  3. Spring To Come
  4. Young & Wild
  5. Miss Your Love
  6. Just Call
  7. Pray For My People
  8. What you want
View all John Butler Trio songs

Most popular topics in John Butler Trio songs

Related artists

  1. Current Swell
    Current Swell
  2. Newton Faulkner
    Newton Faulkner
  3. Jack Johnson
    Jack Johnson
  4. Dave Matthews Band
    Dave Matthews Band
  5. Eskimo Joe
    Eskimo Joe
  6. State Radio
    State Radio
  7. Powderfinger
    Powderfinger
  8. Ben Harper
    Ben Harper