Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Buddy began feeding his love for music at an early age. At 10 he was begging his mom and dad for a guitar and by 16, had formed his first REM- inspired band.
Buddy left Portland to attend college at Providence College in Rhode Island where he majored in English and struggled with a strong case of stage fright. After college he moved to Austin, Texas where his passion for music returned to the forefront of his life. Buddy joined up with a local band called Piltdowns and they gained a good following and supported bands like Spoon while fielding some local record label offers.
In 2002, Buddy relocated again, finally landing in Los Angeles, CA where he continued to hone his songwriting style. Not to be dissuaded by prior mishaps, Buddy hit the local stages again, performing his first show as Buddy at the Hotel Cafรฉ, in July of 2004. It wasn't until Buddy hooked up with friend and author Greg Behrendt (He's Just Not That Into You) that things began to truly turn in Buddy's direction. While performing at one of Behrendt's infamous Bring the Rock musician/comedian nights, producer Robbie Rist (the Andersons) took an interest in Buddy's unique voice, beautiful lyrics and clever songwriting style. The two joined forces to produce and record Buddy's 1st EP, which was simply titled "Buddy". It hit the streets November 30th, 2004.
Shortly after finishing the EP, local DJ Tricia Halloran of the station KCRW in Santa Monica began playing a track called "Salt Point" on air. Random deal offers from the UK began to come in, but none of them seemed quite right, so Buddy kept on pushing his material and playing live shows. At that time a radio station in Denver caught wind of Buddys Milkshake cover, the word was out, and the word was "Buddy". Buddy's music has been featured on "All Things Considered", "One Tree Hill", "Ghost Whisperer", "Shelter from the Storm, Katrina Benefit" and recently the song Westgate.
Lyrics will always be Buddy's most important focus. Powerful stuff for a guy who describes himself as pretty much "always happy", but to that he adds, "if something is really bugging me, Ill carry it around for a long while. Then eventually, Ill sit down and in about 15 minutes, Ill have put it in a song" and the rest, is well safely tucked away beneath the sheets.
Buddy's live band consists of: Grammy Awardยฎ winning drummer Michael Jerome (John Cale, Blind Boys of Alabama), Will Golden (Gary Jules), Percy Haverson (Knifeyhead), Al Sgro (Gary Jules), Fil Krohnengold (Golden Smog, Duncan Sheik).
โAlterations and Repairsโ Buddyโs debut Album will be arriving spring 2007 and features guest musicians/vocalists including: Anna-Lynne Williams (trespassers william), Ben Peeler (Alexi Murdoch), Meiko (Meiko), Ollie (Sia, Tom McRae). Mixed by Bryan Cook (Inara George, Gary Jules) & Mastered By Roger Siebel. (Death Cab/Plans) Artwork by PCP.
"Side By Side - Duets Vol. 1" features original tracks and two cover tunes performed with friends Meiko, Susie Suh, Julianna Raye, Buddy, Tina Dico and Rick Garcia. (5 Bonus tracks available at iTunes) Gus Black (a singer/songwriter in his own right) directs AM's new video "Hear Me Sing" featuring Buddy.
Young
Buddy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's way better when ya young
Betta when ya young
It's way better when ya young
Betta when ya young
It's way better when ya young
Better when ya young
It's way better when ya young
Ay (ay) I'm really out here my nigga (my nigga)
No responsibilities
Fuck the consequences
You can't tell me anything
Nah, never ask permission (nope, no)
Only ask forgiveness (yep, yep)
God is my witness (woop, woop)
Mama say I'm oblivious, daddy think I'm oblivious
Driftin' into oblivion
Buddy back on his bullshit again (ooh, I'm tellin')
Oh how I wish I was a kid again
Got a hard time with listenin'
Same problem with discipline
Still gotta get my dividends
It's so much adrenaline
Head is spinnin', I know I'ma sin again
Betta when ya young
It's way better when ya young
Betta when ya young
It's way better when ya young
It's a fine line between love and hate, ya see
Came way too late, and baby I'm on it
Yeah, it's a fine line between love and hate, ya see
Came way too late, and baby I'm on it
Can't worry 'bout what another nigga think
Now that's liberation, and baby I want it
Baby I want it
Can't worry 'bout what another nigga think
Now that's liberation, and baby I want it
(Lemme hit, lemme hit, lemme hit it once)
Betta when ya young
It's way better when ya young
Betta when ya young
It's way better when ya young
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Forever young, yeah
Betta when ya young (forever young, yeah, forever young, yeah, forever young, yeah)
It's way better when ya young
The song "Young" by Buddy is a celebration of youth and a plea to relive the carefree days of adolescence. The repeated chorus "Betta when ya young, it's way better when ya young" is a reminder to enjoy life while you can and to not stress over adult responsibilities like bills and work. The lyrics speak to the idea of living in the moment, with no regard for the future or the consequences of your actions. The lines "No responsibilities, fuck the consequences, you can't tell me anything," and "Only ask forgiveness, God is my witness" illustrate this point. The song also touches on the struggle of transitioning into adulthood, with lines like "Oh how I wish I was a kid again, got a hard time with listening, same problem with discipline, still gotta get my dividends."
Buddy's verses give insight into his personal experiences with growing up and trying to navigate the challenges and responsibilities of adult life. The line "Driftin' into oblivion, Buddy back on his bullshit again" suggests that he sometimes feels lost or overwhelmed, and the line "Head is spinning, I know I'ma sin again" expresses his struggle to stay on the right track. The bridge of the song introduces the idea of "liberation" and not caring about what others think, emphasizing the importance of living life on your own terms.
Overall, "Young" is a relatable and catchy song that celebrates youth and encourages listeners to enjoy life while they can. It speaks to the universal desire to go back to a time when things were simpler and carefree, but also acknowledges the challenges that come with growing up.
Line by Line Meaning
Betta when ya young
Life is more enjoyable when you're young and carefree.
It's way better when ya young
Young people have less responsibilities and can make choices without worrying about consequences.
Ay (ay) I'm really out here my nigga (my nigga)
I am living my life to the fullest.
No responsibilities
I don't have to worry about anything or anyone but myself.
Fuck the consequences
I'm willing to take risks without thinking about the potential outcomes.
You can't tell me anything
I am confident in my own decisions and don't care what others think.
Nah, never ask permission (nope, no)
I don't like being told what to do and prefer to do things my own way.
Only ask forgiveness (yep, yep)
I know I might make mistakes, but I believe in taking chances and dealing with the consequences later.
God is my witness (woop, woop)
I am aware of my actions and will take responsibility for them.
Mama say I'm oblivious, daddy think I'm oblivious
My parents think I'm not aware of my actions and their consequences.
Driftin' into oblivion
I am living without a clear purpose or direction.
Buddy back on his bullshit again (ooh, I'm tellin')
I am acting recklessly once again.
Oh how I wish I was a kid again
I miss the carefree days of my childhood when I didn't have to worry about anything.
Got a hard time with listenin'
I have trouble taking advice or following rules.
Same problem with discipline
I struggle with staying focused and motivated.
Still gotta get my dividends
I need to earn money to support my lifestyle and interests.
It's so much adrenaline
I am addicted to taking risks and experiencing the excitement that comes with it.
Head is spinnin', I know I'ma sin again
My actions may have negative consequences, but I am willing to take the risk anyway.
It's a fine line between love and hate, ya see
There's a delicate balance between positive and negative emotions.
Came way too late, and baby I'm on it
I may not have realized it before, but I am now aware of the risks and rewards of my actions.
Can't worry 'bout what another nigga think
I don't care about other people's opinions or judgments.
Now that's liberation, and baby I want it
Being free from the opinions of others is what I desire most.
(Lemme hit, lemme hit, lemme hit it once)
I want to indulge in pleasurable experiences without any care or concern for the consequences.
Forever young, yeah
I want to remain young, carefree, and without responsibilities forever.
Betta when ya young (forever young, yeah, forever young, yeah, forever young, yeah)
Being young is the best, and I want to stay that way forever.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Simmie Sims III, Michael Ray Cox, Jr, John Groover, Brody Brown, Andre Lauren Benjamin, Erica Wright, Joi Elaine Gilliam, Myrna Crenshaw, Ruben Bailey, Thomas DeCarlo Callaway
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tumi Mfolozi
4 yr old girl walks up to Buddy
her: Buddy, life is so hard as a child! Even people I don't know just pick me up!?!?
Buddy: Oh, I wish I was a kid again.. Its better when you're young, Its way better when you're young..
Me *narrating with a sore throat as the story ends*: ..And that's how Buddy explained how people who don't even know you will try to put you down to a 4 year girl in two lines..
Keep it up Buddy..
BruuBaby
Nothing better than finding a new, unique artist to follow. At least until they blow up and everyone listens to them, then you stop and find someone else ๐
raz
hipster
BruuBaby
raz If thatโs what you call it, then yeah ๐
Trey Tangatakino
If they keep being creative I'll stay a fan. But if they lose passion and start becoming mainstream then imma stop following
Georgia
Lol, you ain't lie. When they blow up they start becoming more mainstream and it's meh ๐๐
Famous
Carolina G factz ๐ฏ
Nicoshia Hodge
Am I the only one addicted to this hook. Love it. #TeamBuddy
I-Am The-One
Just heard you sing this live.... Truly inspirational
BLACKBELT Jones/1.00474
Timeless music!!
Ann Randall
Am I the only one playing this shit back 2 back๐ค๐ง๐ถ๐ต