Meaning of "Kids These Days" by Shakey Graves

The lyrics of "Kids These Days" delve into the complexities of youth and the challenges faced in trying to navigate a society that often dismisses and misunderstands young people. The opening lines express a desire for immortality and a rebellious, tough façade to counter societal expectations. It highlights the fleeting nature of youth, with the line "Life is good at seventeen."

The chorus emphasizes the disconnect and judgment from older generations, who claim to know the speaker but in reality, know very little. The repeated phrase "Kids these days" serves as a disapproving and dismissive statement, highlighting the generational gap and the frustration of being misunderstood.

The verse that follows reflects on wasted time and the impermanence of life. The speaker contemplates giving up the fight and changing their identity to fit societal standards. This suggests a sense of pressure to conform and the struggle to maintain authenticity.

The bridge introduces themes of societal pressures, materialism, and validation-seeking. The reference to "murder on the rise" can be seen as a metaphor for the ruthless competition and cutthroat nature of modern society. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation for approval, as the speaker pleads to be called pretty and nice, ultimately displaying vulnerability and a desire to be seen beyond surface-level judgments.

The repetition of the phrase "Mirror mirror on the wall, what's the meaning of it all?" reflects a search for deeper understanding and purpose. The song suggests that society often reduces young people to stereotypes and objects of desire. The closing lines "Life is a honeymoon phase, Kids these days" serve as a bittersweet reflection on the fleeting nature of youth and the challenges faced in finding meaning and acceptance in a judgmental world.