Released: 2017
Khalid’s “Young Dumb & Broke” is an anthem for the youth, capturing the carefree and reckless spirit of high school life. The song speaks to the struggles and freedoms of being young, emphasizing the mix of love, mistakes, and the desire to live life to the fullest despite financial limitations.
The opening lines, “So you’re still thinking of me, Just like I know you should,” suggest a relationship where both parties are still on each other’s minds. However, Khalid admits, “I cannot give you everything, you know I wish I could,” highlighting the limitations of young love when you’re “broke.” The phrase “I’m so high at the moment” can be interpreted as being overwhelmed by emotions or possibly indulging in the carefree, reckless behavior typical of youth.
The chorus, “Yeah, we’re just young, dumb and broke, But we still got love to give,” encapsulates the main theme. Despite being “young, dumb, and broke,” there’s an abundance of love and energy. The repetition of “young, dumb, broke high school kids” serves as a reminder of their current stage in life, where mistakes are made, but lessons are learned.

In the second verse, Khalid sings, “We have so much in common, We argue all the time,” which reflects the typical ups and downs of teenage relationships. The line “What’s fun about commitment? When we have our life to live” suggests a reluctance to settle down, emphasizing the desire to explore and enjoy life without being tied down.
The bridge, “Jump and we think, leave it all in the game of love, love, Run into sin, do it all in the name of fun, fun,” captures the impulsive nature of youth. The idea of “running into sin” for fun highlights the rebellious side of being young, where consequences are often an afterthought.
Overall, “Young Dumb & Broke” is a celebration of the highs and lows of teenage life. Khalid perfectly captures the essence of being young, where love is abundant, mistakes are plenty, and the future is wide open.