Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Go West, Young Man” by We Were Sharks
Go West, Young Man, is an upbeat and adventure-seeking song by We Were Sharks, from their 2016 album Lost Touch. The song is about searching for something bigger, something more, and going on the journey to find it. The message is to look ahead—onward and upward, and keep on pushing through.
The song speaks to the mindset of a young person ready to take on the world, using the metaphor of “goin’ west” and “see on the horizon the gold we can possess.” Westward expansion was the common belief of the era that opportunity and wealth could be found on the frontier. Nowadays, it’s more of an internal movement, about breaking free and exploring places within ourselves to find what we truly need to be satisfied. It’s about discovering who we are, and being brave enough to take action and pursue goals, while also knowing that it may not be an easy journey.
The chorus of “If we can prove our worth, we can make our dreams come true,” encourages listeners to take control of their future and prove their worth to make their dreams a reality. With lines like, “shaking off the rust of the broken past” and “rise up and leave,” the song is a reminder to keep on going despite any obstacles you may encounter. The call to “realize the strength you got inside” gives people the courage to go forward and face their fears.
Go West, Young Man has an uplifting intensity that speaks to the spirit of adventure, encouraging people to take a chance on themselves. It’s a motivational and inspiring hit to help summon more courage to do something more with your life. The song is an ode to venturing outside of our comfort zone and chasing after a better future.