Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Early Retirement” by Handguns
“Early Retirement” is a powerful song written and performed by the band Handguns that reflects on growing older in a society that favours youth. The song speaks to the difficulties of aging and observes the sadness in feeling as though you are no longer relevant or valuable as society moves on to embrace the fresh energy of younger generations. The lyrics are filled with despair, frustration, and fear of what is to come and yearning to reclaim some of the innocence and vitality of youth that was lost.
The song opens with the narrator asking “When does settling down mean I’m giving up?” He reflects on the realization that settling down – finding a job, settling in to a routine, and living a life of responsibility – might mean the end of the old identity he once held. The chorus speaks to the pain of getting older in a society that favors the young – “raise your glass for a world that don’t care ’bout getting older.”
The power of the song lies in the raw emotion of the vocals and the vulnerability of the lyrics. The lines “Just give me night and a pack of cigarettes / And I won’t ask for anythiing more” reflect on the youthful desire to live in the moment and push away thoughtful reflection and fears of the future. These sentiments of fear and regret amplify towards the end of the song, particularly in the line “The thought of getting old scares me to death”.
The song speaks to the challenge of getting older and dealing with life’s complexities. It is a song of resignation, but also a reminder to find solace and comfort in the present and in the company of those who understand and care for us.