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Songwriter Forum => Lyrics => Topic started by: hardtwistmusic on April 17, 2020, 10:04:49 PM
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“The Impotent Arrogance of Youth”
A lyric about an epiphany that not even the ‘infinite, but impotent arrogance of youth’ could shield me from.
It’s hard to be humble when you know everything – Like I did when I was fourteen.
I knew what was right, and I knew what was wrong – and that there was nothing in between.
What would be required to make the world work – was that everyone else should be
A little bit less like they already were, – and a whole lot more like me.
I met a new friend on the first day of high school, – We had little in common to share.
An unlikely friendship, an unlikely pair. – One going places. One going nowhere.
He was bold, and strong, and tough – while I was fearful and weak.
The schoolwork all came easily to me, – For him, it was a losing streak.
I decided that I would help him out – in the impotent arrogance of my youth.
I told him if he’d just learn to dream bigger, – He could understand all my truth.
I said “Just learn to dream, and follow your dreams,” – and I promise that if you do.”
“If you believe in your dreams, and do what they tell you, – those dreams can all come true.”
CHORUS:
He just sadly looked at me like I was an immature child.
Then, with a weary shake of his head, took pity on me and smiled.
The words he said were simple and short. – They were gentle, but they’d hurt for awhile.
He said, “That’s okay.
That’s all right for you.”
“But it’s harder to believe that dreams come true,
When you know that nightmares do.”
There I stood, embarrassed and hurt, with suddenly uncertain priorities.
Wounded by the forceful truth of this blunt epiphany.
Forced without warning to suddenly confront an uncomfortable reality.
Standing knee deep in the shattered pieces of smug superiority.
MINI-CHORUS:
He’d said, “That’s okay.
That’s all right for you.
But it’s harder to believe that dreams come true,
when you know that nightmares do.”
Musical bridge:
CHORUS:
He’d just sadly looked at me like I was an immature child.
Then, with a weary shake of his head, took pity on me and smiled.
The words he said were simple and short. – They were gentle, but they hurt for awhile.
He’d said, “That’s okay.”
That’s all right for you.”
“But it’s harder to believe that dreams come true,
when you know that nightmares do.”
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In my opinion this is among your best lyrics. Maybe it just strikes a chord with me, but I find it very good. No nits.
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Thank you Vicki. It was one of my oldest songs, dating clear back to the 90s. But for years and years, it was not focused enough, and just plain not good enough to do anything with. I could tell it had too much potential to leave as it was, but could never find a way to make it right. I finally found a direction I thought I could be proud of, and I was extremely gratified to hear your assessment. Thank you a lot.
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Made two seemingly minor changes that actually change the flavor quite a bit. If anyone is interested.
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Hmm.
I started reading and was drawn in.
You’re a good un’.
The scene is set well and resonates.
I can’t help thinking what are these nightmares.
I like reading lyrics from you.
All the best. R.