Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino (born February 26, 1928 in New Orleans, Lou… Read Full Bio ↴Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino (born February 26, 1928 in New Orleans, Louisiana, died October 24, 2017), was a classic R&B and rock and roll singer, songwriter and pianist. He was the best-selling African-American singer of the 1950s and early 1960s whose congenial, non threatening personality allowed him to succeed despite a period of deep-seated racial segregation. Domino is also a pianist with an individualistic bluesy style showing stride and boogie-woogie influences.

In 1986, he was among the first batch to get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "Ain't That A Shame" and "Blueberry Hill" were named part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. In 2004, "Blueberry Hill" was named #81 and "Ain't That A Shame" was named #431 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. In 2004, he was named #25 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time.

In the wake of Domino's rescue from his 9th ward home during 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the Tipitina's Foundation organized a tribute album to the elder artist featuring Robert Plant, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney and numerous other acts that owe a creative debt to this seminal rock n roll pianist.

When I Was Young
Fats Domino Lyrics

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When I was young and in my prime
The girls used to hold me up all the time
But I'm gettin' old every day
It's a pity that now I ain't gettin' any!

So la la la la
La la la la la

They used to call me their lover man
But what they call me now is a dirty shame
If I could live my life all over again
I'd never pass the age of ten!

So la la la la
La la la la la

You heard my strong, I sung my song
Believe me nobody wants you when your youth is gone
So take my advice as a friend
When your youth is gone, that's the end!

So la la la la
La la la la la

Overall Meaning

In Fats Domino's hit song, "When I Was Young," the lyrics express a sense of regret and longing for the prime of his life. Through the lines, "When I was young and in my prime, the girls used to hold me up all the time," one can infer that Fats Domino was once a popular and highly sought after lover. However, as he has grown older, this attention has dwindled, and he is left feeling dejected. The lines "They used to call me their lover man, but what they call me now is a dirty shame" highlight the disparity between his past and present, further emphasizing his sadness.

Moreover, by the lyrics, "If I could live my life all over again, I'd never pass the age of ten," listeners can comprehend the depth of his wistful feelings. The innocence and joy of childhood appear far more desirable than the pains of aging. Fats Domino's reflection on youth and its eventual loss is captured poignantly in the lines, "Believe me nobody wants you when your youth is gone, so take my advice as a friend, when your youth is gone, that's the end." Ultimately, the lyrics of "When I Was Young" capture the irreversible nature of time's passing, the bittersweet nature of nostalgia, and how aging can leave one feeling forgotten and alone.

Line by Line Meaning

When I was young and in my prime
In my youthful days, I lived life to its full potential, when I was strong and full of vigor.

The girls used to hold me up all the time
I was popular with the ladies, who would admire and support me always.

But I'm gettin' old every day
As time passes, I grow older with each passing day, which inevitably takes its toll.

It's a pity that now I ain't gettin' any!
It's unfortunate that I'm no longer able to attract the ladies' attention like I once did.

They used to call me their lover man
The women I used to date would refer to me as their loving and caring partner.

But what they call me now is a dirty shame
Nowadays, the women I used to date refer to me derogatorily or dismissively.

If I could live my life all over again
If it were possible to go back in time and start living my life again, I'd do things differently.

I'd never pass the age of ten!
Knowing what I know now, I would opt to stay perpetually young, not wanting to grow old.

You heard my strong, I sung my song
I've had some success in the past, when I was confident and projecting strength through music.

Believe me nobody wants you when your youth is gone
As one ages, people typically become less interested in them, as they are seen as less attractive or capable.

So take my advice as a friend
Given my own experiences, I urge you to listen to my advice and guidance.

When your youth is gone, that's the end!
One's youth is a fleeting time, and once it's passed, there's no going back. It's important to make the most of it while you can.

So la la la la
An extension of the song's melody or rhythm. It has no specific meaning.

La la la la la
An extension of the song's melody or rhythm. It has no specific meaning.

Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: TOM SNOW

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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