Meaning of "When We Were Young" by Roger Waters

"When We Were Young" offers a introspective exploration of the impact of youth and the lingering effects of childhood experiences. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when actions and consequences held different weight. The opening line, "When we were young, we could piss up the boys boat wall," reflects a rebellious attitude and a disregard for the norms and rules of society. The description of the environment as a "black expanse of pitch, or tar, or whatever it was" suggests a lack of clarity and a dismissive attitude towards details that were once significant.

As the lyrics progress, they delve into the confusion and awkwardness of adolescence. The line "Knickers thick, pasty in the roar of adolescence's dawn" portrays the discomfort and unfamiliarity of growing up. The reference to "changing rooms of May" implies the introduction of sexual awareness and explores the vulnerability and uncertainty that comes during this stage of life.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of self-image and the lingering effects of childhood experiences. The lines "I'm still ugly, you're still fat, I've still got spots, I'm still afraid" reveal insecurities and a lack of self-acceptance that continue to persist into adulthood. The repetition of the phrase "I'm still" emphasizes the deep impact that these feelings of inadequacy have had on the speaker.

The lyrics then shift focus to the potential sources of influence in shaping one's identity. The lines "Our parents made us what we are, or was it God? Who gives a fuck?" suggest a questioning of the importance and responsibility of external influences. This reflection highlights the complexity of identity formation and challenges the notion that others have complete control over who we become.

The final line, "It's never really over," encapsulates the idea that the experiences of youth and the impact of upbringing continue to shape individuals throughout their lives. The lyrics explore how these experiences linger and affect one's self-perception, despite the passage of time.