Meaning of "We All Die Young" by The Decemberists

The lyrics of "We All Die Young" by The Decemberists delve into the existential theme of mortality and the passage of time. The dream sequence involving Bill Tecumseh Sherman serves as a metaphor for the looming presence of death and the weight of the past. The narrator's contemplation of their father's words reflects a sense of regret and a desire for reconciliation in the face of mortality. The repetition of "we all die young" throughout the song emphasizes the universal nature of death and the common fate that unites all human beings. The final plea for understanding and forgiveness underscores the idea that death is a shared experience that transcends individual differences and grievances.