Meaning of "James Dean" by That Handsome Devil

The lyrics of "James Dean" by That Handsome Devil delve into the internal struggles and existential crises that come with growing older and realizing that life is not as short and glamorous as once believed. The narrator's initial expectation of dying young and making a mark on the world is contrasted with the harsh truth of life continuing on, often in a mundane and unfulfilling way. They express feelings of suffocation, both physically and mentally, highlighting the struggles of coping with the passage of time and the lack of control over one's destiny. The destructive behavior depicted in the lyrics may symbolize a rebellious response to the disillusionment of not achieving one's youthful dreams. Ultimately, the song serves as a poignant reflection on mortality, the fleeting nature of life, and the complexities of human emotions.