The song starts with a beating drum reminiscent of a beating heart anticipating some sort of dark event. The drums continue in a repetitive rhythm underneath as the crooning voice of Nate Ruess begins telling the story of his abusive relationship. His story weaves in and out of the verses about his "lover" that he has "scarred" and presumably verbally and physically abused. None of the other characters in this shady story are remotely characterized compared to the girl. The lyrics do so by creatively avoiding specifying characters; for example, the use of metonymy when "sunglasses" take the main character's spot at the bar leaves an air of generality that is used to always draw back to the main girl. At the end of the first verse, which slowly introduces a drum and piano into the mix, the music abruptly stops with the exception of Ruess's voice and piano chords.
With a burst of bass, piano, and drums, the song climaxes into a thrilling and mesmerizing chorus. The main line claims that "tonight we are young" so "let's set the world on fire" and "burn brighter than the sun." It is hard to remember the dark story being told in the verses since it is difficult to not sing and nod along to the encouraging chorus. The bass line carries the chorus along, while the piano and drum supplement the bass with chords and beats that all add together to create a music powerhouse for Nate to sing to.
A second pause leads into the second verse that resembles the first verse's sound but with a stronger musical undercurrent. The lyrics shift back the couple "find[ing] new ways to fall apart" but it is less depressing because it continues on the enchanting sound of the chorus. A second playing of the chorus reiterates the point that the evil in their relationship is easily overlooked by the excuse that they are "young" and only want to live as much as they can while they can. This is exactly what the song does as well. It covers the malicious undertone with captivating music and a promising chorus, not to mention Nate Ruess's exceptional sound.
The song then shifts into Janelle Monae, likely representing the female character. She continually requests that someone "just carry [her] home tonight." Albeit her voice is lovely, it is tinged with defeat as gives in to her abusive partner one more time. Ruess chimes back in entreating someone to "carry [him] home tonight" as well. The chorus of male and female voices chanting "Na na na na" beneath the main voices unifies their message of desperation of not going home alone as well as keeping a youthful, almost naïve energy coursing through the song. Perhaps their relationship is beautiful in its own broken way. Or is it just a never-ending cycle of unhappiness?
The chorus is repeated one last time, and "We Are Young" dwindles to a close echoing the start of the song. Once again, clear and resonating, it is just piano chords and Ruess's voice to lull the listener into a state of contentment about being "carr[ied] home tonight."
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