The song "When He Was a Young Warthog" is an underrated classic that has been around since the mid-1970s. It was written by singer-songwriter John Prine, and it tells the story of a young warthog, a metaphor for a young man, who is struggling to find his place in the world. The lyrics of the song are filled with nostalgia and longing for a time when things were simpler.
The song begins with the young warthog reflecting on his past: "When he was a young warthog, he would wander in the woods/But not for too long, for he had troubles of his own/His momma had died and his daddy had gone/But he still had his dreams, so he kept on going." This sets the tone for the song, as the young warthog's struggles are explored throughout the lyrics.
The next verse focuses on how the young warthog finds solace in nature: "He would lay down in the grass and just watch the sky/And he would be so still that the birds and the bees/Would come and sit beside him and tell him their stories/And it made him feel so much better." This verse suggests that the young warthog finds comfort in nature, despite his struggles.
The following verse speaks of the young warthog's desire to make a difference in the world: "He wanted to be a hero, he wanted to be strong/But he knew that he was too small, so he kept on walking/And he kept on searching for a place where he could belong." This verse speaks of the young warthog's ambition and courage, as he strives to find a place in the world.
The chorus of the song is an ode to the young warthog's courage in the face of adversity: "When he was a young warthog, he had dreams in his head/And he fought hard against the odds and he never gave up/And he kept on going, and he kept on growing/And he never looked back, no matter what came his way." This chorus speaks to the young warthog's determination to overcome any obstacle, and to keep on going in order to achieve his dreams.
The next verse speaks of the young warthog's longing for companionship: "He wanted someone to hold, he wanted someone to care/But all he ever found were the birds and the bees/Until one day he met her, and she was so sweet/And she held him close and told him it would be alright." This verse speaks of the young warthog's need for companionship, and how he finds it in the form of a sweet woman.
The song ends with the young warthog reflecting fondly on his past: "And he thought back to when he was a young warthog/And all the troubles that he had along the way/But he kept on going, and he found his way/And he never looked back, no matter what came his way." This verse speaks to the young warthog's resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
The song "When He Was a Young Warthog" is an uplifting and inspiring song that speaks to the courage and determination of a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. The lyrics of the song are filled with nostalgia and longing for a time when things were simpler, and the chorus speaks to the young warthog's courage and determination in the face of adversity. The song is a reminder that no matter what comes our way, we should never give up and keep on going.
