25

The song '25' by The Pretty Reckless is a poignant exploration of the passage of time and the disillusionment that often accompanies it. The lyrics take the listener through a chronological journey, starting from the early years of life and moving towards the age of twenty-five. Each year or set of years is marked by significant emotional milestones, reflecting the highs and lows of growing up and the inevitable loss of innocence and hope.

The early verses describe a sense of optimism and belief in destiny, only to be met with the harsh realities of life as time progresses. The repetition of the age 'twenty-five' serves as a critical point in the narrative, symbolizing a quarter-life crisis where the protagonist feels that all hope has died. The metaphor of the 'glass of my intentions' turning to sand and shattering in the hand vividly illustrates the fragility of dreams and aspirations, and how easily they can be destroyed by the passage of time and life's challenges.

The song also touches on themes of betrayal, loss, and existential despair. The references to secrets, lies, and the imagery of a gun barrel suggest a darker, more tumultuous journey. The repeated lines 'twenty-one, two, three, four' emphasize the relentless march of time and the inevitability of reaching a point where one must confront the reality of their existence. The haunting refrain of being 'still alive' at twenty-five, 'much longer than expected for a man,' adds a layer of existential dread, questioning the value and purpose of life itself.

Overall, '25' by The Pretty Reckless is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged song that captures the essence of a quarter-life crisis. It speaks to the universal experience of growing up, facing disappointments, and grappling with the meaning of life as one reaches a significant milestone age.