About the song
In the realm of rock and roll history, few bands have captured the raw energy and soulful expression of Eric Burdon & The Animals quite like they did. With their blues-infused melodies, electrifying stage presence, and Burdon’s signature raspy vocals, they epitomized the rebellious spirit of the 1960s. Among their many enduring hits, “When I Was Young” stands as a poignant ballad, a nostalgic reflection on lost youth and the enduring power of dreams.
Released in 1967 as a single from their album “Winds of Change”, “When I Was Young” quickly resonated with listeners, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a staple of the band’s live performances. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal human experience of reminiscing about the carefree days of youth and the bittersweet realization that time marches on.
Burdon’s vocals, imbued with a blend of world-weariness and wistful longing, set the stage for a lyrical journey that explores the complexities of growing older. The opening lines, “When I was young, I could sing like a bird / I could dance all night, never get tired,” paint a vivid portrait of youthful exuberance and boundless energy.
As the song progresses, the lyrics take a more introspective turn, as Burdon reflects on the inevitable passage of time and the changes that come with it. The lines, “But now I’m older, my bones are getting stiff / I can’t sing like I used to, I can’t dance for a week,” capture the bittersweet realization that youth is fleeting and that life’s challenges can take their toll.
Despite the melancholic undertones, “When I Was Young” is ultimately a song of hope and resilience. Burdon’s vocals soar in the chorus, declaring, “But when I was young, I had dreams / And I’m still young in my dreams,” emphasizing the enduring power of dreams and aspirations, even in the face of life’s inevitable changes.
The song’s poignant bridge, “And I know I’ll keep on singing, ’cause I’ve got to keep on believing / That one day I’ll see my dreams come true,” serves as a powerful affirmation of the human spirit’s ability to persevere and find joy in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
“When I Was Young” is more than just a song; it’s a timeless ballad that resonates with listeners of all ages. Eric Burdon & The Animals’ masterful performance, coupled with the song’s poignant lyrics and enduring message of hope, has cemented its place as a cherished classic, a reminder of the bittersweet beauty of nostalgia and the enduring power of dreams.
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Lyrics
‘The rooms were so much colder thenMy father was a soldier thenAnd times were very hardWhen I was youngI smoked my first cigarette at tenAnd for girls, I had a bad yenAnd I had quite a ballWhen I was youngWhen I was young, it was more importantPain more painfulLaughter much louderYeah, when I was youngWhen I was youngI met my first love at thirteenShe was brown and I was pretty greenAnd I learned quite a lot when I was youngWhen I was youngWhen I was youngPain more painfulLaughter much louderYeah, when I was youngWhen I was youngMy faith was so much stronger thenI believed in fellow manAnd I was so much older thenWhen I was youngWhen I was youngWhen I was young