Meaning of "Young Blood" by Norah Jones

The lyrics of "Young Blood" by Norah Jones explore the complexities of a secretive and passionate love affair. The narrator describes a relationship that is filled with intense emotions, but also hidden from the world. The use of imagery, such as "Broke down subway in this city of spires" and "Shotgun wedding in a strange SoHo," suggests a desire for adventure and rebellion. The narrator and their lover imagine themselves as outlaws, fighting against societal expectations and norms. They find solace in their shared fantasies and even evoke werewolves as symbols of the dangers they face together.

The lyrics also touch upon missed opportunities and unfulfilled desires. References to "Midnight phone calls in the back of a mustang," "creased white pages torn right from the spine," and "kissed my neck with a crooked, cracked fang" allude to the narrator and their lover's longing for each other. They express regret over the promises made and not kept, and the letters that were never sent. The uncertainty of what the other meant is a recurring theme, reflecting the ambiguous nature of their relationship.

The lyrics also convey a sense of both exhilaration and destruction in love. The line "Drown the last of our matches, burn the rest of each other" suggests a desire to consume their love completely, even if it ultimately destroys them. The imagery of the roosters being nothing but "clucking clockwork" implies that their fears and obstacles exist only in their minds, and they are in control of their own destiny.

Overall, the lyrics of "Young Blood" evoke a sense of longing, adventure, and the bittersweet nature of love that is forbidden and secretive. The narrator and their lover find solace in their fantasies and rebelliousness, while also grappling with the uncertainties and missed opportunities that come with such a relationship.