We Are Young

The lyrics describe a messy night out shaped by regret, affection, and the desire to make things right. The speaker has hurt their lover and struggles to explain or repair the damage, but still offers care. The repeated celebration of being young brings a burst of confidence and togetherness, while the later plea to be carried home suggests the speaker also feels vulnerable and needs help.

“Getting higher than the Empire State” is an exaggerated way to describe the friends’ intoxication. The “holes” in the speaker’s apologies suggest that their attempts to say sorry are incomplete or unconvincing. By contrast, “carry you home” can mean literal help after a night of drinking, but it also implies taking responsibility and staying beside someone when they are struggling. “Set the world on fire” is a metaphor for living boldly and making the night feel extraordinary.

The song moves between reckless celebration and sincere remorse, so its energy is not simply carefree. The speaker may genuinely want to protect the lover, yet the party and alcohol make the apology seem uncertain. The final request for someone to carry the speaker home leaves open whether this is a moment of mutual support or a sign that the speaker cannot manage alone.