The song "When We Were Young" by Janet Devlin explores the nostalgic longing for the carefree innocence of youth. Devlin reflects on the transition from childhood to adulthood and the loss of the imagination and freedom that accompanied it. In the first verse, Devlin talks about the monsters that used to reside under her bed, symbolizing the fears and worries of her childhood. However, as she grows older, these monsters no longer exist in her physical world but have now taken root in her mind, representing the anxieties and insecurities that haunt her thoughts. The chorus highlights the desire to escape from the burdens and responsibilities of adulthood. Devlin expresses a longing to be free from the weight of the past, wishing she could return to a time when life was simpler and worries were nonexistent. She wants to be able to live in the present moment without constant concern for the future. The second verse emphasizes the contrast between feeling old and still having a youthful spirit. Devlin yearns to rediscover the childlike joy and wonder that once animated her. She expresses a desire to turn back time and relive those carefree moments, longing for the innocence and bliss of the past. Overall, "When We Were Young" is a reflection on the bittersweet passage of time and the longing for the simplicity and happiness of youth. It captures the universal sentiment of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of innocence as we grow older.
