Song meaning of To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High) by Dave Rawlings Machine

The lyrics of "To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)" by Dave Rawlings Machine convey a message about the experiences of youth, capturing the emotions of sadness and the pursuit of temporary highs to escape that sadness. The song addresses both a young boy and a young girl who have been wronged in some way, implying that these experiences are universal to youth.

The repetition of "young boy done you bad, I went and did you wrong" and "young girl, you done me bad, you went and did me wrong" highlights the mistakes and misjudgments that often occur during youth. The lyrics suggest that these experiences lead individuals to seek solace in getting high, implying that it serves as a temporary escape from the sadness and pain they feel. The phrases "and I got high" and "and you get high" are repeated multiple times, emphasizing the connection between youth, sadness, and seeking refuge in altered states of mind.

The lyrics also touch on the bittersweet nostalgia that accompanies looking back on youth, acknowledging that being young can be a time of sadness. The line "one day when you're looking back, you were young and, man, you were sad" suggests that sadness is an inherent part of youth, often associated with taking risks and making mistakes. 

In summary, "To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)" portrays the experiences of sadness and seeking temporary highs as inextricably linked to the vulnerability and mistakes of youth. It explores the universal struggle to navigate emotions and seeks to evoke a sense of reflection and understanding about these formative years.