Meaning of "When You Were Young" by William Fitzsimmons

The lyrics of "When You Were Young" paint a poignant picture of a person haunted by their troubled past and the consequences of their actions, particularly in the eyes of their family. The mention of being dragged from a throne and characterized as the "bad one from the day you were born" suggests a sense of inevitability and burden that the individual carries. The references to drug use and self-destructive behaviors further highlight the intensity of their struggles and the ways in which they have coped with their pain. The repeated refrain of "You were not what you were when you were young" speaks to a longing for acceptance, understanding, and perhaps a desire to return to a time when things were simpler and less complicated. Ultimately, the plea for forgiveness and a chance to reconcile with their family reflects a deep-seated desire for redemption and healing.