Meaning of "Was I?" by Madeleine Peyroux

The lyrics of "Was I?" touch on themes of youthful exploration, vulnerability, and societal judgment. The protagonist, a sweet young girl of sixteen, seeks adventure and excitement, longing to experience what she has missed in her sheltered life. However, her encounter with a "bit uncouth" youth leaves her questioning her choices. The repetition of questions reflects her internal turmoil and the external expectations placed upon her. She wonders if she was drunk, if the boy was handsome, and if her mother disapproved. These inquiries speak to the universal anxieties and doubts that many young people face when stepping outside the boundaries of societal norms. The protagonist's fear of judgment and longing for acceptance lead her to question her own feelings and experiences. She wonders if she still cares about the encounter, if she is glad she fell for the boy, and if she is still seen as a baby. These questions reveal her struggle to reconcile her desires and experiences with the expectations and judgments of others. The final lines of the song express a mix of defiance and acceptance. The protagonist acknowledges that she had fun, but still faces disapproval from her mother and societal norms. The lyrics highlight the tension between personal fulfillment and the pressure to conform, shedding light on the complexities of navigating one's own desires and societal expectations.