The song "I'm Not Too Young" by Gilbert O'Sullivan expresses the singer's defiance against being underestimated or overlooked because of his young age. He asserts that he is capable of experiencing love, making choices (like smoking), defending himself, and standing up for what he believes in. The lyrics also touch upon the theme of intelligence and education. Gilbert challenges the notion that being young automatically implies being naive or foolish. He questions why the word "one" is used to describe oneself when "two" would make more sense, implying that he is aware of the complexities of life. The song goes on to mention the singer's struggle academically, specifically failing the eleven plus exam, which determines placement in secondary education. Gilbert suggests that academic success is not solely based on intelligence but also on one's ability to recall information during exams. Furthermore, Gilbert highlights social and political issues, such as the conflict in Northern Ireland and the poverty and displacement experienced by children in Africa. Through these references, he emphasizes that age does not determine the capacity to feel pain, suffer, or understand the world's injustices. Overall, "I'm Not Too Young" portrays a young person's determination to be seen, heard, and respected, challenging societal expectations and stereotypes associated with their age.
