"When I Was Young" by Matt Hires is a song about reminiscing on the past and the dreams and ambitions we had when we were young. The lyrics describe the fire and passion Hires had as a young musician, wanting someone to listen to his words and music. He gave up his gun to pursue his dream of playing the guitar and singing. The song also touches on love and forgiveness, and the struggle of finding one's place in the world. Hires reflects on the challenges he faced as a young artist, with broken guitars and nights spent under the stars. Despite the struggles, he held onto his dreams and his heart that beat for music. The chorus emphasizes the idea of living life to the fullest and never giving up on one's dreams. As the song progresses, Hires faces the uncertainty and pressure of the present. He turns to the memories of his youth to remind himself why he pursued his passion in the first place. Ultimately, "When I Was Young" is a hopeful and inspiring song that encourages listeners to hold onto their dreams and never stop pursuing them.