Meaning of "When I Was a Young Girl" by Feist

The lyrics of "When I Was a Young Girl" by Feist delve into themes of recklessness, consequences, and mortality. The young girl narrating the song reflects on her past actions of seeking pleasure and indulging in ale, which have led her to a state of physical and emotional anguish. She calls for her parents to witness her downfall, perhaps seeking their forgiveness or understanding. The references to salvation and doom highlight the contrasting outcomes of her choices. The song ultimately touches on the inevitability of death, with the mention of the plague symbolizing her impending mortality. Through these haunting lyrics, Feist captures the melancholy of facing consequences and contemplating mortality in the face of past recklessness.