"When I Was Young" is a song by Eric Burdon & The Animals, released in 1967. The song reflects on the experiences and emotions of the narrator during their youth. The lyrics describe a time when the rooms felt colder, indicating a difficult and challenging upbringing. The narrator's father being a soldier implies the presence of war or conflict, which made life even harder. Despite these hardships, the narrator reminisces about their younger years with some fondness. The line "I smoked my first cigarette at ten" illustrates the narrator's rebellious nature and the premature exposure to vices. They also mention having a strong interest in girls at a young age, which suggests both curiosity and exploring relationships. The chorus emphasizes that during their youth, the emotions felt were more intense. The pain was more painful, but laughter was also more genuine and louder. This could be interpreted as the heightened emotions experienced during adolescence, where both joy and pain are felt deeply. The narrator recalls meeting their first love at thirteen and highlights their own innocence or naivety at the time, referring to themselves as "pretty green." This relationship was a learning experience, suggesting personal growth and acquiring wisdom. As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on their faith in humanity and their belief in the goodness of people. This faith was stronger during their youth, indicating a loss of innocence and a shift in perspective as they have grown older. "When I Was Young" evokes a sense of nostalgia for an earlier time in the narrator's life, emphasizing the experiences that shaped them into the person they have become. It highlights the contrast between the youthful optimism, resilience, and the realities of adulthood.
