Youth Lagoon, Speed Freak | Wacky Wednesday

In the third edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique song, “Speed Freak,” performed by Youth Lagoon.

Do you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  So, with the background established, in the third edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique song, “Speed Freak” performed by Youth Lagoon. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence!

“Tear me down like the dream / I see the face of my daughter / I feel sorry / I’m a speed freak.” Dark, dramatic, and heavy lyrics from Youth Lagoon (Trevor Powers) via “Speed Freak”. “Speed Freak” is the second track from Youth Lagoon’s 2025 album, Rarely Do I Dream. The track is mysterious, which is part of its charm and alternativeness. Powers, who not only sings but plays multiple instruments, and Rodaidh McDonald produced the ear-catching gem.

In the verses, Powers mentions a stray dog and a bullfrog. Interesting 🧐. In both instances, he asks the stray dog, “Why did you come for me?” Is Trevor being literal or metaphorical? Is he thinking deeply or merely randomly? The lyrics raise plenty of questions. At the end of each verse, Trevor sings, “You make my problems disappear.” A bullfrog who “Keep(s) me company?” Both the stray dog and a bullfrog? Um, okay… Beyond those two verses, Powers leaves us with the chorus, excerpted earlier.  He continues singing, “Heaven knows that I’ve hurt / Like the face  in the water / I feel sorry / I’m a speed freak.” Interestingly, the stray dog is mentioned again.  What does it all mean? Powers told Rolling Stone it was inspired by “giving the death of angel a hug.” Word.  Powers sings amazingly, and the accompanying music is sensational.  The soundscape he constructs is epic with the beat, keys, synths, and distinct sound palette.  Also, adding to the thrill, and raising more questions, is the music video directed by  Tyler T. Williams.  The Idaho musician easily grabs attention with “Speed Freak”, a song sure to leave you speechless 😶.

Youth Lagoon // Rarely Do I Dream // Fat Possum // 2025

Youth Lagoon, Speed Freak: Wacky Wednesday No. 3 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Fat Possum; Rich The Barber Font from Font Space; Wendel Natan from Pexels; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]