Meaning of "Young and Aspiring" by Underoath

The lyrics of "Young and Aspiring" delve into themes of frustration and self-reflection. The opening lines hint at a resigned acceptance of the situation, as the speaker suggests not even trying and discarding their efforts. This illustrates a sense of defeat and the acknowledgement that their relationship has reached its breaking point. There is a realization that their thought process has been repetitive and they have come to a final request, possibly the request to end the relationship.

The lines "Hold your breath, bottle it up and save it for the next one" and "None of this will ever change your mind" highlight a feeling of being unheard and the futility of trying to persuade the other person. The mention of relying on borrowed time suggests that the relationship was dependent on temporary circumstances or false hope.

The lyrics continue to explore the consequences of their actions, suggesting that consequences are a necessary aspect of life in challenging times. This can be seen in the lines "Consequence, it's our need in times like these" and "Feeling free, it's our modern disease." The speaker recognizes that feeling free can lead to negative consequences and describes it as a modern disease, hinting at the pressures and expectations of society.

The line "You're a classic disaster with a knack for losing your exterior" could refer to the other person's facade or mask, as they seem to have a pattern of hiding their true self. The speaker, on the other hand, expresses being sick from staring at the mirror, indicating a dissatisfaction with their own self-image and the constant self-reflection they engage in.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of playing roles in a script or screenplay of desire, suggesting that their relationship is built on falsehoods or unrealistic expectations. This is highlighted in the lines "So you play the mistaken, and I'll play the victim in our screenplay of desire." The speaker admits to still writing letters they'll never send, which implies that they are still holding on to hope or longing for something that may not be attainable.

The song concludes with the repeated lines "This is my panic, this is my call to arms," which can be seen as a cry for change and a desire to break free from the current situation. It emphasizes the sense of urgency and the need for action.