When I Was Young

Eric Burdon's song 'When I Was Young' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The lyrics take the listener on a journey through Burdon's early years, marked by a mix of hardship, discovery, and intense emotions. The opening lines set a somber tone, recalling a time when 'the rooms were so much colder' and his father was a soldier, highlighting the struggles and austerity of his childhood. This backdrop of difficulty is a common theme in many people's memories of youth, where the challenges faced often shape one's character and outlook on life.

As the song progresses, Burdon recounts significant milestones of his youth, such as smoking his first cigarette at ten and experiencing his first love at thirteen. These experiences are described with a sense of raw intensity, suggesting that the emotions felt during these formative years were much more vivid and impactful. The repetition of the phrase 'When I was young' serves as a refrain that underscores the nostalgia and longing for a time when life seemed simpler yet more profound. The contrast between the pain being 'more painful' and the laughter being 'much louder' encapsulates the heightened sensitivity of youth, where every experience feels magnified.

In the latter part of the song, Burdon reflects on the loss of innocence and the erosion of faith that often accompanies growing older. He notes that his faith was 'so much stronger' and that he 'believed in fellow men,' indicating a sense of disillusionment that has crept in with age. The line 'I was so much older then, when I was young' is particularly striking, suggesting that the wisdom and maturity he thought he possessed in his youth have been replaced by a more jaded perspective. This introspective look at the past serves as a reminder of the complexities of growing up and the inevitable changes that come with it.