Two of Those Too

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of youthful idealism and the bittersweet realization of impermanence. The opening verses establish a vibrant scene: a college town buzzing with newness, where the narrator and a companion arrived as part of a wave of fresh faces. There's a palpable sense of belonging, a feeling of being swept up in the collective joy and energy of the place, captured by the repeated refrain, "And we were two of those too." This phrase suggests a desire to be part of something larger, to fit into a scene that felt alive and welcoming. The narrative then shifts to a more grounded, intimate setting: a shared house situated between a homeless shelter and a coffee shop. This juxtaposition hints at the complex realities existing alongside their idealistic bubble. The act of painting the walls until they can't reach signifies a youthful, perhaps slightly reckless, embrace of their space and a desire to make it their own, even if imperfectly finished. The recurring idea that "everyone seemed so glad / They were there" continues to tie their personal experience to a broader sense of contentment within their environment. The core tension emerges in the later verses, where the narrator confronts the transient nature of these cherished moments. The "quietest days" are recalled with a smile, but the acknowledgment that "Nothing could feel the same" and "you can't sustain anything / Everything must change" introduces a profound sense of loss. The freedom experienced, being "in each passing second," is framed as something inherently temporary. This realization leads to a powerful, almost defiant, acceptance. The effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their honest portrayal of nostalgia and acceptance. The simple, declarative statements of "And I am / I am / I am" at the end, following the acknowledgment of change, resonate deeply. It’s not a resignation, but a profound gratitude for what was, even as it has passed. The craft here is in the contrast between the vibrant, communal energy of the early verses and the quiet, personal reckoning with time's passage, culminating in a mature, thankful perspective.