Meaning of "Coming of Age" by Foster The People

"Coming of Age" is a song that delves into the process of maturing and the challenges that come with leaving behind a carefree, youthful mindset. The opening lines, "Well, I see you standing there like a rabid dog, and you got those crying eyes, makes me wanna surrender and wrap you in my arms," represent the recognition of someone else's vulnerability and the desire to provide comfort. However, the protagonist also acknowledges their own flaws and struggle with making amends, singing, "You know I try to live without regrets, I'm always moving forward and not looking back, but I tend to leave a trail of dead while I'm moving ahead."

The lyrics further explore the conflicting emotions that come with growing up. The fear of facing one's shortcomings ("And when my fear pulls me out to sea, and the stars are hidden by my pride and my enemies") and the realization that sometimes the ones we care about the most are the ones we end up hurting ("I seem to hurt the people that care the most") are depicted. The line "Just like an animal, I protect my pride, when I'm too bruised to fight, and even when I'm wrong, I tend to think I'm right" highlights the protagonist's struggle with accepting their own faults and the need to defend themselves.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of weariness and a desire for change. The repetition of "feels like a coming of age" emphasizes the sentiment of transitioning into a new phase of life. The protagonist expresses boredom, fatigue, and a longing to move on from destructive patterns ("Well, I'm bored of the game and too tired to rage") and burn the metaphorical page of their past. It is a song that captures the internal struggle of leaving behind youth and recklessness in favor of maturity and self-improvement.