Meaning of "To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High)" by Dave Rawlings Machine

The song dives into the complex emotions and experiences that often come with youth. It suggests that being young is inherently linked to feeling sad and seeking ways to escape that sadness, such as getting high. The repetition of "you done me bad" and "I went and did you wrong" shows a cycle of wrongdoing, highlighting how young people may hurt each other without fully understanding the consequences. The chorus's line "when you're young, and man you were sad" implies that sadness is a defining aspect of youth. The combination of sadness and substance abuse serves as a temporary release, offering a sense of numbing or escapism. The reference to rain falling suggests that even though life may bring difficult times, getting high can temporarily alleviate the sadness that comes with youth. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of the tumultuous emotions and actions that can define the younger years, showcasing the struggles, mistakes, and attempts to find solace that are common during that phase of life.