Twentysomething, the latest single from singer-songwriter Will Knox, captures the zeitgeist of a generation. It delves into the labyrinth of young adulthood with a candour and musicality that’s both haunting and enlightening. The song, a blend of acoustic elegance and lyrical introspection, navigates the murky waters of self-discovery and the recklessness of youth with a precision that’s both rare and commendable.
Twenty-two or twenty-three/when I found you or you found me/when I thought you might take your life/if I hadn’t stayed those nights/All I know is we were lost/We put poison in our blood/made us forget/it made us fun
The opening lines set a tone of serendipity tinged with the inevitable chaos of youthful liaisons. Knox’s narrative abilities shine as he recounts nights that could have spiralled into tragedy but instead cemented a tumultuous bond. His admission of being lost and indulging in self-destructive behaviours is delivered with palpable rawness, capturing the essence of a generation balanced precariously between self-destruction and euphoria.
I got lost in/Twenty-something/Felt like living when really we were killing ourselves/I got lost in twenty-something/In my heart in my head in the sheets of your bed called it love / I knew nothing/Twenty something
The chorus, is an anthem for the disenchanted, a melodic embrace of the nihilism and fleeting ecstasies that define a decade. Knox captures the gravitas, offering up a chorus that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt adrift in the ceaseless pursuit of meaning amidst chaos.
In the second verse, Knox poses a poignant question that’s as haunting as it is reflective: “Did I steal your motherhood?” This line is a stark contemplation of the sacrifices and selfishness inherent in tumultuous relationships. The bridge encapsulates the illusion of liberation that often accompanies the reckless abandon of youth, only to reveal itself as a flight from reality.
At the time I called it freedom/ I was really on the run/I found comfort in believing I was somewhere I belong/behind poetry and pictures/behind people we can be/It was all just smoke and mirrors/I was choosing not to see
Twentysomething serves as a reflective piece, a mirror held up to the faces of those navigating the tempest of their twenties. Will Knox, with his poignant lyrics and evocative melodies, crafts a narrative that’s as compelling as it is cathartic. It captures the fleeting moments of joy and despair that define youth.
Will said about the single, “Twentysomething is a song about being lost in your twenties. Looking back on this decade of my life I felt a struggle to find myself as an individual, an artist and a partner. I was living in New York, surrounded by artists and musicians, all evolving and growing at our own pace.
We would inspire each other, push and pull each other, love and hurt each other. With the highs came lows and both self-destructive and selfish behaviour. I was unable to love myself properly, let alone someone else. Whether it was at the expense of my own well-being or other people’s feelings, I regret these painful moments, even if they did help me or us to evolve.“
Twentysomething is co-written with Celine Cairo and produced by Ian Grimble and the third single to be released from Will’s forthcoming debut album, set for release in Autumn 2024.