Meaning of "Compositions For The Young And Old" by Bob Mould

"Compositions For The Young And Old" by Bob Mould delves into themes of nostalgia, societal change, and the loss of simplicity in modern life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a time when fifteen cents was a significant sum and simple pleasures like playing cards on the back porch or swimming in a local hole were enough to bring joy. The song mourns the loss of these simpler times, contrasting them with the current state of affairs where everything is expensive and complicated, trust is lacking, and materialism reigns. The reference to settling arguments in court rather than with a handshake speaks to the breakdown of basic trust and communication in society. The need for a license for everything and being bombarded with unaffordable offers symbolize the overwhelming consumerism and bureaucracy that have taken over modern life. The final image of staying inside, making peanut butter sandwiches, and crying in response to impending rain serves as a poignant conclusion, highlighting a sense of resignation and loss in the face of a world that feels unfamiliar and unkind.