Salad Days

Mac DeMarco's 'Salad Days' is a wistful reflection on the passage of time and the loss of youth. The song's title itself is a term that refers to a period of youthful inexperience or indiscretion—a time often looked back upon with fondness. DeMarco's lyrics suggest a sense of growing older and the inevitable changes that come with it, as he mentions a 'chip on my shoulder' and the feeling of life rolling by.

The repeated phrase 'missing hippy Jon' could be a reference to a friend or a version of himself that was more carefree, embodying the spirit of the 'salad days' now passed. The act of remembering just to bid farewell to those memories ('Remembering things just to tell 'em so long') highlights a sense of resignation to the present and the distance from a freer, more vibrant past. The laconic 'la, la, la' chorus adds to the song's dreamy, detached mood, underscoring the theme of reminiscence.

The song also touches on societal expectations with the lines 'Oh mama, actin’ like my life’s already over' and 'Oh dear, act your age and try another year,' suggesting pressure to conform to a certain stage of life or behavior. DeMarco's response to this pressure is to 'kindly resign,' indicating a desire to live on his own terms despite the passage of time. The song's laid-back, lo-fi sound complements its themes, with DeMarco's signature style providing a soundtrack to the contemplation of aging and the longing for simpler times.