MGMT - Kids lyrics

You were a child,crawlin' on your knees toward it.Makin' mama so proud,but your voice was too loud.
We like to watch you laughing.You pick the insects off plants.No time to think of consequences.Control yourself.Take only what you need from it.A family of trees wantin',To be haunted.
Control yourself.Take only what you need from it.A family of trees wantin',To be haunted.
The water is warm,but it's sending me shivers.A baby is born,crying out for attention.Memories fade,like looking through a fogged mirrorDecision to decisions are made and not boughtBut I thought,this wouldn't hurt a lot.I guess not.
Control yourself.Take only what you need from it.A family of trees wantin',To be haunted.
Control yourself.Take only what you need from it.A family of trees wantin',To be haunted.
Control yourself.Take only what you need from it.A family of trees wantin',To be haunted.
Control yourself.Take only what you need from it.A family of trees wantin',To be haunted.
Control yourself.Take only what you need from it.A family of trees wantin',To be haunted.

Control yourself.Take only what you need from it.A family of treeeeees...


These lyrics can be interpreted to connote childhood and childhood experiences. Both first and second stanzas symbolize discovery and the urge to explore when young - "crawlin' on your knees", "no time to think of consequences". The repetition of "control yourself" can be interpreted as being able to take control of personal actions; the idea that a person can make decisions for themselves and have personal freedom. As well as this, the repetition of "take only what you need from it" suggests living life recklessly and enjoying it while it lasts without wasting time on things that are not needed or that are of little importance.
From this, I think the song symbolizes freedom and the ability to live recklessly with the suggestion of the independence and carelessness that is experienced within teenage years or possibly childhood.