Meaning of "Tellin' Lies" by The Menzingers

"Tellin' Lies" delves into the complex emotions and challenges that arise when transitioning out of one's twenties. It captures the mix of nostalgia, frustration, and uncertainty that many people experience as they leave behind the carefree years of their youth and enter into a more "adult" phase of life.

The lyrics touch on various aspects of this transition. When the narrator mentions feeling like a criminal when buying marijuana, it reflects the societal judgment and stigma that can come with certain recreational activities, even though they may be legal or harmless. This highlights the discrepancy between the expectations society has for someone in their twenties and the reality of their experiences.

The line "Where are we gonna go now that our twenties are over?" captures the existential crisis that can arise at this stage. It's a reflection on the loss of the youthful freedom and spontaneity that defined the twenties, and the uncertainty about what comes next. The pressure to have a clear plan for the future can be overwhelming, as seen when everyone keeps asking the narrator about their plans.

The narrator also expresses a feeling of being caught between two stages of life. They don't feel young enough to be someone's companion, implying they have outgrown the carefree relationships of their twenties. Yet they don't feel old enough to be anyone's guide, meaning they haven't fully figured things out themselves and are still searching for their own direction. This conveys a sense of being stuck in limbo, unsure of where to go or who they are.

The chorus, "But I don't mind tellin' lies," reveals the coping mechanism of avoiding the truth and confrontation of these uncertainties. It signifies a desire to escape from the pressure and judgment by withholding the truth, even though deep down, the narrator may feel a sense of guilt or insecurity about their situation.

The mention of Vegas and getting married by Elvis represents a form of escapism and the pursuit of instant gratification. It symbolizes the desire to break free from reality, take risks, and find a quick solution to the overwhelming questions and doubts that accompany this phase of life. The sentiment of "If we wake up broke we'll be fine, we'll get rich in another lifetime" expresses a hope for a better future, a belief that things will eventually fall into place, even if the current circumstances are uncertain.

In summary, "Tellin' Lies" captures the complex mix of emotions that accompany the end of one's twenties - from feeling lost and judged to desperately seeking escapism and hope for a brighter future.