Skillet - The Older I Get Lyrics

The Older I Get

The Older I Get Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

The song "The Older I Get" by Skillet offers a heartfelt exploration of a strained relationship burdened by past conflicts and missed opportunities. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of distance and hurt, describing "walls" that separated individuals and "scars" left from repeated arguments. The emotional space between moments of peace and intense anger reportedly diminished over time, highlighting a relationship consumed by tension. A poignant sense of mutual waiting and longing is expressed, suggesting a disconnect where both parties desired connection but remained static, wondering about the reasons for the impasse.

The central theme revolves around the passage of time and its effect on deep emotional wounds. The recurring question posed in the song is whether getting older will bring healing or simply prolong the pain. The narrator reflects on the significant amount of time that has passed since the relationship suffered, lamenting the "times we missed." There is an honest acknowledgment that the depth of the hurt was not anticipated, and a sense of surprise that the pain persists even after a considerable duration. This struggle between the hope that age brings perspective and healing, and the reality of enduring sorrow, forms the emotional core of the piece.

Further analysis of the lyrics reveals how harmful words contributed to building defensive barriers between the individuals. The narrator notes that these cutting remarks were illogical but undeniably hurtful. There is a contemplation of the common belief that "time heals all wounds," admitting that things did improve, yet acknowledging that avoiding conflict became easier simply by maintaining physical distance. The juxtaposition of waiting for the other person while simultaneously believing they were waiting too underscores the communication breakdown and paralysis that afflicted the relationship.

The bridge of the song introduces a moment of self-reflection and regret. The narrator questions what they were waiting for, expressing the belief that they should have made different choices, perhaps taking less and giving more, or enduring difficulties instead of succumbing to them. A similar question is posed to the other person, implying shared responsibility for the failure and a sense of loss over what the relationship could have potentially been – described as "the best we ever had." This section adds a layer of poignant realization about the impact of inaction and past decisions.

Returning to the main theme, the final lines reinforce the struggle with healing. The narrator explicitly states, "I'm not getting over you I'm trying to," highlighting the active effort involved in moving past the pain and the difficulty of achieving closure. The enduring nature of the hurt is reiterated, emphasizing that despite the passage of "way too long" time and becoming "older," the emotional impact of the relationship's breakdown continues to be felt acutely. This raw admission of vulnerability and the unresolved nature of the pain provide a powerful and relatable conclusion to the song's emotional journey.