Scared

Song Meaning

These lyrics paint a picture of someone holding onto a hopeful, perhaps youthful, perspective despite the passage of time. The opening lines suggest a long-held desire that's been nurtured, with the narrator identifying with a youthful age of "seventeen." This sets up a core tension between the desire to maintain an idealistic outlook and the pressure to "let it go" or face the consequences of stagnation, where "all you see will turn to stone." The central conflict seems to be the internal battle against letting go of dreams and aspirations. The repeated phrases "Not too scared to dream" and "Don't be scared to fall" act as affirmations, pushing back against a natural inclination towards caution or resignation. This is directly contrasted with the unwavering declaration, "'Cause I won't change," and the persistent image of having "head up in the clouds." The most striking aspect is the relentless repetition of "Never give up" in the bridge. This isn't just a simple mantra; it's an urgent, almost desperate plea that builds in intensity. The phrase "I can feel it coming" suggests an imminent breakthrough or realization, making the refusal to surrender feel proactive rather than passive. It’s a powerful reinforcement of the chorus’s sentiment, emphasizing a commitment to an unyielding, cloud-gazing optimism. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their directness and the raw emotional energy of their repetition. They capture a specific feeling of defiant hope, a conscious choice to remain optimistic even when faced with the potential for disappointment or the weight of experience. The song champions the idea that holding onto dreams, even if they seem impractical, is a strength, not a weakness.