About the song
**Introduction to Eric Burdon and The Animals’ “When I Was Young”**
“When I Was Young,” released in early 1967 by Eric Burdon and The Animals, stands as a poignant reflection on youth and societal disillusionment. Written collectively by Eric Burdon (vocals), Barry Jenkins (drums), John Weider (guitar/violin), Vic Briggs (guitar), and Danny McCulloch (bass), this song marked the debut of this lineup and quickly gained international acclaim.
**Historical Context**
The song delves into Eric Burdon’s personal experiences growing up, offering a glimpse into his formative years. It nostalgically recounts moments from his youth, from his early encounters like his first cigarette at age 10 to more profound experiences such as falling in love at 13. The lyrics culminate in a reflection on lost innocence and a wistful critique of societal values:
“My faith was so much stronger then,
I believed in fellow men,
And I was so much older then.
When I was Young.”
Musically, “When I Was Young” is distinguished by its Indian-inspired riff, blending electric guitar and violin to create a distinctive sound. The song’s introduction features a notable descent from E to D on a heavily distorted guitar, adding to its unique appeal. Starting in E Minor and ending in G Minor, the track also includes the B-Side “A Girl Named Sandoz,” named after the pharmaceutical company known for inventing LSD.
**Reception and Impact**
Upon its release, “When I Was Young” received praise for its introspective lyrics and innovative musical arrangement. Billboard lauded it as containing “blockbuster biting material” with an “intriguing dance arrangement,” while Cash Box described it as a “strong, gutsy, reflective Blues effort” backed by a compelling instrumental backdrop.
Charting success followed suit, with the single peaking at No. 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top ten in Canada and the Netherlands. Its popularity extended to Europe, where it attained significant chart positions in countries like Germany.
**Legacy**
Beyond its initial reception, “When I Was Young” continued to resonate through the decades, finding new audiences and applications. In the early 1980s, Eric Burdon began incorporating tributes to deceased stars at the conclusion of live performances of the song, adding layers of emotional depth to its already powerful lyrics.
The song’s enduring legacy underscores its role as a classic of the psychedelic rock era, blending introspective storytelling with innovative musical elements. Its impact on subsequent generations of musicians and its relevance in popular culture affirm its status as a timeless anthem of youth and reflection.
In conclusion, “When I Was Young” by Eric Burdon and The Animals remains a testament to the band’s ability to capture the spirit of a generation through introspective lyrics and innovative musical arrangements. Its chart success and enduring appeal solidify its place in music history as a hallmark of the 1960s rock era.
—
This introduction encapsulates the significance of Eric Burdon and The Animals’ “When I Was Young,” highlighting its origins, lyrical themes, musical innovation, reception, and lasting impact on popular culture. If you need further details or want to explore specific aspects of the song, feel free to let me know!
Video
Lyrics
‘The rooms were so much colder then
My father was a soldier then
And times were very hard
When I was young
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
When I was young, it was more important
Pain more painful
Laughter much louder
Yeah, when I was young
When I was young
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
When I was young
Pain more painful
Laughter much louder
Yeah, when I was young
When I was young
My faith was so much stronger then
I believed in fellow man
And I was so much older then
When I was young
When I was young
When I was young