The Animals, formed in England in the 1960s, were key players in the British music invasion of America. Their biggest hit, House of the Rising Sun, topped the charts in both the UK and the US in 1964, blending blues with rock music.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, the band broke up after a few years, but their music continues to be celebrated.
About the Song
The When I Was Young song showcases childhood and simpler times, featuring soft indie rock elements with gentle guitar and soothing vocals.
The lyrics convey a longing to return to a carefree and innocent past. The song’s calm and melodic tone invites listeners to remember their youth and the lessons learned along the way.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | March 1967 |
| Album | The Animals Retrospective (2004) |
| Writers | Danny McCulloch, Barry Jenkins, John Weider, Vic Briggs, Eric Burdon |
| Producers | Tom Wilson |
When I Was Young Lyrics by The Animals
Instrumental Intro
Verse 1
The rooms were so much colder then
My father was a soldier then
And times were very hard
When I was young
When I was young
Verse 2
I smoked my first cigarette at ten
And for girls, I had a bad yen
And I had quite a ball
When I was young
Instrumental Break
Chorus
When I was young, it was more important
Pain more painful
The laughter much louder, yeah
When I was young
When I was young
Verse 3
I met my first love at thirteen
She was brown and I was pretty green
And I learned quite a lot
When I was young
When I was young
Instrumental Bridge
Chorus
When I was young, it was more important
Pain more painful
Laughter much louder, yeah
When I was young
When I was young
Verse 4
My faith was so much stronger then
I believed in fellow men
And I was so much older then
When I was young
When I was young
Outro
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young…
Similar Songs Like When I Was Young
If When I Was Young relates to you, here are more tracks by The Animals, showing their soulful rock and blues influences.
- House of the Rising Sun: This haunting folk-rock song became a defining moment for The Animals, blending blues with folk storytelling.
- Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood: A soulful ballad with emotional lyrics and a bluesy sound, capturing the band’s unique mix of rock and R&B.
- We Gotta Get Out of This Place: An anthemic, rebellious track with a catchy beat, symbolizing the urge to escape and find freedom.
- Sky Pilot: This epic track is about war, with a combination of psychedelic rock and deep lyrical content.
Similar Artists Like The Animals
If you’re a fan of The Animals’ blend of bluesy rock and soulful rhythms, there are several other artists who capture a similar vibe with their own unique twist.
- The Rolling Stones
Genres: Rock, Blues Rock
Top Albums: Let It Bleed (1969), Sticky Fingers (1971), Tattoo You (1981) - The Yardbirds
Genres: Rock, Blues Rock
Top Albums: Having a Rave Up (1965), Yardbirds (1967) - The Kinks
Genres: Rock, British Invasion
Top Albums: Face to Face (1966), Something Else by The Kinks (1967) - The Doors
Genres: Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Top Albums: The Doors (1967), L.A. Woman (1971) - The Who
Genres: Rock, Hard Rock
Top Albums: My Generation (1965), Who’s Next (1971), Quadrophenia (1973)
Frequently Asked Questions
Did When I Was Young Appear on a Studio Album?
No, it was released as a standalone single before later appearing on compilation albums.
What Inspired the Lyrics to When I Was Young?
Eric Burdon wrote it about his experiences growing up in working-class Newcastle and his early life.
Has When I Was Young Been Used in Any Films or TV Shows?
Yes, it appeared in several 1960s-era films and documentaries about the British Invasion.
