You Can Still be Something New at 22

With graduation coming up, there are many emotions surrounding it –– excitement, fear, nervousness. The uncertainty of life after college is daunting, which Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers captured in their song “Nothing New.” While this song was released in 2021, it’s a forever relatable song, especially for those graduating college each year. Graduating and need a lyrical analysis? Here is VALLEY’s graduating senior perspective on “Nothing New.”

Lord, what will become of me / Once I’ve lost my novelty?
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers

This lyric of the song explores the longevity of “novelty” –– which means being new or original. As seniors finish their last year, they start to wrap up their involvements. Terms as leaders in clubs end, and new people begin to fill those positions. You are no longer a new member, or a new leader in the organization. You begin to fade into regularity.

While this is part of the experience of being involved in an organization in college, it can feel strange –– something that you’ve invested so much time into is suddenly in your rearview mirror. You begin to lose that sense of novelty, of being new and fresh, as younger members begin to take your place. You feel happy for them, and the experience they are about to have. But at the same time, it’s easy to feel discarded, as you are expected to move on.

It’s like I can feel time moving
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers

As a senior, you conceptualize the time you are at school differently. Instead of wishing away the cold, wintery days, you start to take them in –– looking at the snow with joy rather than dread. Even though there are things seniors still wish would pass, it feels different knowing that your time has become extremely limited.

Days and weeks begin to fly by, especially as classes start to finish and the weather begins to warm up. Seniors are gripping onto time as hard as they can, hoping it doesn’t slip through. But time is like sand, always finding the cracks between your fingers and falling through.

How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22?
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers

When you’re 18, you feel some sense of knowledge about the next chapter. You know what college you are going to or what job you are starting or just that your parents will back you up. At 18, not everything is figured out yet, but you feel that you are on the path to figuring out the next chapter.

At 22, you feel like you know nothing. You have to navigate finding a job and moving out of your parents house and what an AGI is on your taxes. Being 22 feels like being a kid in an adult’s body. Everything is new and confusing and there is much more pressure. You suddenly feel like you have to have it all figured out. Friends start to move to different cities, your parents begin to release their grip and you begin to feel alone, worried that you will sink into some kind of abyss.

You miss the comfort that surrounds being 18, and the innocence you once had.

And will you still want me when I’m nothing new?
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers

Oof.

This one really rips your heart out, especially if you are reading this at 22. As you begin your descent into adulthood, you are no longer the bright and shiny 18-year-old you once were. Your skin has grown thick from the past four years of callus build up –– of growing pains from jobs, organizations and classes. You doubt the world now, as it hardens you with all of its rejection.

But, don’t forget, you are still something new. You have spent the last four years preparing to join real adult life, and something that Swift and Bridgers fail to mention is that you are ready. While 22 is not 18, it is still young and bright.

What are your thoughts on “Nothing New?” Let us know by tagging us @VALLEYMag on Instagram or X!