I once had an English teacher tell me that young love best represents love in its purest form. Uncorrupted and simple, teenage romance is hardly affected by wealth, occupation, or family; rather, it encapsulates partners loving each other for nothing but who they are.
I think about that from time to time. I feel like we, as a society, tend to ignore or neglect the harsh reality of this statement. As we grow up, things get in the way of love here and there. That’s why the idea of a “first love” is so fascinating; it’s our first exposure to a core aspect of life, and from then on, everything compares to that person. There’s a reason why we romanticize the moments that make us feel like we’re living in a movie and yearn for having a euphoric connection with another person similar to what we see on screen. The running concept of the “good ol’ days” is designed to hit hard as you get older; they contain some of the most emotional, core elements of our lives.
“Pismo” by Tino Drima is designed to capture moments and feelings like these. It’s simple, just like our youthful years should be. Yet, it’s not just a song, but rather an experience. I was immediately drawn in from the song’s intro, which felt smooth, oozy, and calm, but the feeling that the song invoked kept me engaged.
“I just smile, smile, smile // For the first time in my life
I smile for miles and miles // It hits me right, all right”
The song’s lyrics are simple, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I think “Pismo” is a song designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age. As a young person, you can listen to this song and yearn for emotional, heartfelt experiences with friends or partners once you get older. “Pismo” resonates with teenagers and young adults because it embodies their current state of life. I, a nineteen year-old, listen to this song and recognize that it’s the little things, the good ol’ days, and the movie scenes that I’m currently living. And it’s awesome.
The best thing about this song, however, is that it remains accessible, even when you’re no longer young. It serves as a medium for self-reflection and positivity. I think Tino Drima recognizes that the true, simple person you are when you’re young plays into your growth and maturity as an adult. Songs like these are able to trigger an emotional reaction by playing on our most vulnerable and true selves, and that’s what makes this one so special.
