☝️ Key Points
- The song is about the fleetingness of life and the need to appreciate the moment.
- It emphasizes that life only happens for a short time and it's important to seize the moment and make the most of it.
- The lyrics encourage young people to use their voice to create a better world and spread love and peace.
- It points out that the idea of eternal existence is often untrue and saying goodbye is difficult.
- The lyrics ask what young people will leave behind to the world and encourage them to fulfill their dreams and hopes.
Interpretation
The song lyrics 'Oh Very Young' by
Cat Stevens are about the transience of life and the need to appreciate the moment. The lyrics speak to a young person and ask what they will leave behind to the world, as life only happens for a short time on this earth.
'You dance only for a short time on this earth' shows that life is short and should be embraced. Although dreams may come and go, they will ultimately fade and disappear, just like the glow of your father's best jeans, fading up to the sky.
It is also emphasized that longing for eternal existence is futile. 'And though you want him to last forever, you know he never will' shows that the idea of something lasting forever is often untrue. The act of saying goodbye becomes even more difficult.
The lyrics encourage young people to use their voice to create a better world. 'If you want this world to see a better day, you'll carry the words of love with you' urges to spread love and peace. It is also suggested that they ride the big white bird in the sky to make their dreams and hopes come true.
The lyrics conclude with the repetition of the question of what the young people will leave behind to the world. It is emphasized that life only happens for a short time and it is important to seize the moment and make the most of it.
Overall, the song lyrics express the importance of appreciating life, spreading love, and making the most of the limited time we have.