Barely Legal

The Strokes · Is This It [2001]

I didn't take no shortcuts

I spent the money that I saved up

Oh, my ol Momma's running out of luck

Like my sister don't give a fuck



I wanna steal your innocence

To me my life it dont make sense

Those strange manners, oh I love 'em so

why wont you wear your new trench coat



I shoulda worked much harder

I shoulda just not bothered

I never show up on weekdays

That's something that I learned yesterday



Drive you to work; you will be on time

These little problems they're not yours and mine,

Come on and listen to what I say

I've got some secrets that'll make you stay

I just want to turn you down

I just want to turn you around

Oh, you ain't never had nothing I want, but...

I want it all

I just can't figure out...

Nothin'



And all together it went well

we made pretend we were best friends

Then she said 'oh you're a freak'

They ordered me to make mistakes

Together again, like the beginning

it all works some how in the end

the things we did, the things you hide

But for the record it's between you and i



I didnt take no short cuts

I spent the money that i saved up

oh,momma running out of luck

like my sister dont give a fuck

I wanna steal your innocence

To me my life, it just don't make any sense

Oh, those strange manners I love 'em so

Why won't you wear your new trenchcoat?

I just want to misbehave

I just want to be your slave

You ain't never had nothing I wanted, but...

I want it all

I just can't figure out...

Nothin'



And all together it went well

we made pretend we were best friends

Then she said 'oh i can wait'

they ordered me to make mistakes

Together again, like the beginning

it all works some how in the end

the things we did, the things you hide

But for the record it's between you and i

Barely Legal

Barely Legal stands as a defining track from The Strokes' landmark debut album, Is This It. Released in 2001, the recording captures the band's signature garage rock revival sound, characterized by Julian Casablancas' detached vocals and the group's tight, interlocking guitar work. The song reflects the raw energy and minimalist production that propelled the New York quartet to international prominence. As part of a cohesive body of work that revitalized indie rock, the track showcases the band's ability to craft catchy, driving melodies with an underlying sense of urban cool. Its enduring presence in their discography highlights the lasting impact of their early recordings on modern alternative music.