“Kids” by MGMT is a hit that takes listeners on a psychedelic journey through childhood and the loss of innocence. The song seems to grapple with the transition from the carefree days of youth to the harsh realities of adulthood. The message appears to be a cautionary tale, urging listeners to control themselves and take only what they need from life. It’s as if the songwriters are reflecting on their own experiences, realizing how easy it is to lose touch with the simplicity and wonder of childhood.
The song talks about the universal experience of growing up. MGMT might have written this song to capture the bittersweet nature of this transition, highlighting the beauty of childhood while acknowledging the inevitable loss that comes with growing up.
Ever wondered what’s going on in MGMT’s hit “Kids”? This article peels back the layers of this psychedelic anthem to uncover the nostalgia, the loss, and the cautionary tale hidden within.
“Kids” Lyrics Meaning
The song starts with a countdown, immediately followed by a nostalgic look back at childhood. The lyrics depict a child crawling towards something, a metaphor for the curiosity and fearlessness of youth. The loud voice and laughter suggest a carefree existence, while picking insects off plants represents a child’s fascination with the world around them.
The chorus introduces the song’s mantra: “Control yourself, take only what you need from it.” This could be a message to hold onto the values of childhood, to live simply and take only what is necessary. The “family of trees wanting to be haunted” might symbolize the desire to stay connected to one’s roots, to remain grounded even as life moves forward.
The second verse shifts to a more mature perspective, with the warm water and shivering baby representing the birth of a new life and the cycle of growth. The fogged mirror and fading memories might reflect the way adulthood can cloud our connection to our past, making it harder to recall the purity of childhood.
The song continues to explore the consequences of decisions made in adulthood, suggesting that some choices lead to regret, even if they seemed right at the time. The repetition of the chorus drives home the message, urging listeners to stay true to themselves and remember the simplicity of youth.
The Story Behind “Kids”
“Kids” was written during a transitional period for MGMT, as they navigated the shift from college students to professional musicians. This shift is reflected in the lyrics, which seem to grapple with the loss of innocence and the challenges of adulthood. The songwriters Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden were looking back on their own childhoods, recognizing the beauty of that time, while also acknowledging the inevitability of growing up.
The psychedelic sound of the song complements the themes of nostalgia and loss, creating a sense of longing and reflection. The music and lyrics work together to create a powerful message, urging listeners to remember the simplicity of childhood, even as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.
“Kids” stands as a testament to the universal experience of growing up, capturing the bittersweet nature of this transition with a sense of beauty and melancholy. It’s a song that resonates with listeners of all ages, reminding us all to stay true to ourselves and hold onto the wonder of childhood.