Meaning of "I Taught Myself How to Grow Old" by Ryan Adams

The lyrics of "I Taught Myself How to Grow Old" by Ryan Adams speak to the idea of resilience in the face of hardship and the impact of loneliness and isolation. The imagery of a rose beaten by the rain symbolizes vulnerability and the harsh elements of life that can wear a person down. The repeated refrain of teaching oneself how to grow without love and being exposed to poison in the rain suggests a self-reliant resilience in the face of adversity. The sense of feeling crooked on the outside and broken on the inside reflects the emotional toll that enduring challenges can take on a person. The mention of feeling unheard and disconnected from others further emphasizes feelings of isolation and the struggle to find understanding or solace. Overall, the song explores themes of perseverance, inner strength, and the toll that life's trials can take on an individual.