Fontaines D.C. – “It’s Amazing To Be Young”: Captures the Weight and Wonder of Youth

Fontaines D.C. have never shied away from capturing raw emotion through their music, and their latest single, “It’s Amazing To Be Young,” channels an intoxicating mix of nostalgia, melancholy, and fleeting euphoria.

With a deceptively simple structure and a lyrical refrain that lingers long after the song ends, it’s an introspective ode to youth—both its brilliance and its burdens.

Lyrics Analysis: A Song Caught Between Euphoria and Cost

At first glance, the song’s lyrics appear celebratory: “It’s amazing to be young.” Yet, that declaration is tempered by the repeated acknowledgment of the “cost” that brings you down. Fontaines D.C. have always excelled at presenting contrast, and here, they highlight the duality of youth—the exhilarating highs and the often-overlooked emotional toll it takes.

The verses are sparse, almost mantra-like, reinforcing a sense of existential repetition. The chorus, meanwhile, captures the struggle of being heard and understood:

“But I sang them every word I had / Seems like they’re never gonna understand.”

It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, particularly with those who have felt unseen or unheard in their formative years.

Musical Composition: A Nostalgic Reverie

Musically, “It’s Amazing To Be Young” leans into a dreamlike indie rock atmosphere reminiscent of The Cure and The Smiths. The song begins with a delicate, music box-like melody before swelling into a fuller arrangement. Layers of shimmering guitars and steady, driving percussion create a sense of momentum, mirroring the unpredictable rush of youth.

Critics have pointed out the song’s subdued yet evocative quality. Atwood Magazine describes it as a “nostalgia-soaked indie rock reverie,” while NME highlights its “innocent euphoria.”

However, some listeners have noted that it lacks a striking musical shift, instead staying within a hypnotic, restrained sonic space. This subtlety, though, may be precisely what makes the song so effective—it doesn’t demand attention but rather invites quiet reflection.

Key Musical Elements

• Lush, reverberant guitar tones reminiscent of classic post-punk and dream pop.
• A steady, mid-tempo rhythm that evokes both movement and introspection.
• Repetitive yet impactful lyrics that emphasize the contrast between youthful wonder and disillusionment.
• A gradual build-up in instrumentation that subtly enhances the song’s emotional weight.

Conclusion: A Reflection on Fleeting Youth

“It’s Amazing To Be Young” doesn’t just celebrate youth—it questions it, mourns it, and cherishes it in equal measure. Fontaines D.C. craft a song that lingers, not just because of its melody but because of its emotional honesty. Whether taken as a bittersweet anthem or a quiet lament, the song captures a universal feeling: the realization that youth is both beautiful and fleeting.

It’s a track that doesn’t just ask you to listen—it asks you to remember.

For those who wants to hear the song firsthand, the song is on Youtube.

Discover the best indie rock curated tracks on whisp.fm.

Fontaines DC – “It’s Amazing To Be Young” Lyrics

[Verse 1]
It’s the cost
That brings you down
But it’s amazing
To be young

[Chorus]
Sometimes I wake up and it’s dark
Perform the ritual that puts me in the part
But I sang them every word I had
Seems like they’re never gonna understand

[Verse 2]
That the cost
Brings you down
But it’s amazing
To be young

[Chorus]
Sometimes I wake up and it’s dark
Perform the ritual that puts me in the part
But I sang them every word I had
Seems like they’re never gonna understand

[Bridge]
That the cost
Brings you down
But it’s amazing
To be young

[Outro]
To be young
To be young
To be young
To be young