The song's first live performance was for a young boy named Kenny Sykaluk who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. His mother wrote a letter to the band telling them about her son's terminal condition, and how big a fan he was of Journey. The band flew to his hospital bedside at the request of the Make a Wish Foundation. Along with a Walkman containing the new track, the band also brought Kenny a football helmet signed by the San Francisco 49ers and an autographed Journey platinum record award. The experience of playing the song for Kenny left Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain deeply affected. Perry said "As soon as I walked out of the hospital room I lost it". Perry also says "The nurses had to take me out of the room". On VH1's Behind the Music featuring the band, Cain broke down in tears recalling the event, remarking that "children should not have to live with that kind of pain". Kenny died the next day, with the Walkman still in his hand. The song brought life into perspective for the band and left them humbled. Neal Schon said that Kenny's death affected Journey by making them re-evaluate the issues that were causing friction inside the band itself. In honor of Kenny Sykaluk, the band used the song as their opener for the Raised on Radio Tour.
The song was also recorded by American rock band Scandal in 1984. The song was featured on their album The Warrior.
Only The Young
Journey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can hear the thunder of their cry
Ahead of their time
They wonder why
Shadows of a golden age
A generation waits for dawn
Brave carry on
Only the young can say
They're free to fly away
Sharing the same desire
Burnin' like wildfire
They're seein' through the promises
And all the lies they dare to tell
Is it heaven or hell?
They know very well
Only the young can say
They're free to fly away
Sharing the same desire
Burnin' like wildfire
Only the young can say
They're free to fly away
Sharing the same desire
Burnin' like wildfire
Only the young can say
Only the young can say
Only the young can say
Only the young can say
Young can say
Only the young can say
The song "Only The Young" by Journey talks about the power and spirit of youth. It begins by describing a scene of a loud and passionate gathering of young people and an atmosphere in which they seem out of place. They are ahead of their time and asking questions about why they don't fit in. The lyrics then describe a golden age and a generation waiting for change, while the bold and strong carry on. The chorus emphasizes that only the young can say they are free to fly away, driven by the same desire that burns like wildfire.
The verses then talk about how young people can see through the empty promises and lies of those in power, and they know if they are headed to heaven or hell. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the message that youth is a unique and powerful time in one's life where possibilities are endless, passions run high, and freedom is abundant. In a sense, the song encourages everyone to embrace their youth and make the most of it.
Overall, "Only The Young" is an empowering song that reminds us of the strength and energy of our youth, encouraging us to channel it into something positive and transformative. It also emphasizes the importance of staying true to ourselves despite societal pressures to conform.
Line by Line Meaning
Another night in any town
It's yet another night in a random city where something interesting might happen.
You can hear the thunder of their cry
The intense passion and energy of the young generation's voices can be heard loud and clear.
Ahead of their time
These young individuals are revolutionary and innovative, far beyond their time.
They wonder why
The youth question the errors of the previous generations and why things are the way they are.
Shadows of a golden age
Although the past had many positive qualities, the current generation seeks to create their own golden age.
A generation waits for dawn
The young people look forward to the day when their ideas and ideals will be realized.
Brave carry on
Those who are brave enough to push forward and pursue change continue to do so despite the challenges.
Bold and the strong
The youth have a fearless attitude and strength to go after their goals.
Only the young can say
Only those who are young have the perspective and understanding of what it truly means to be free.
They're free to fly away
The young people have the ability to escape their current circumstances and pursue their dreams.
Sharing the same desire
All the young people are united in their aspirations for freedom and change.
Burnin' like wildfire
Their desire for freedom and change is intense and powerful like an unstoppable wildfire.
They're seein' through the promises
The youth is aware of the false promises made by the people in power, and are not fooled by them.
And all the lies they dare to tell
The young individuals are not falling for the lies that are being told to them consistently.
Is it heaven or hell?
The youth are contemplating whether their struggle for change and freedom is going to lead them towards heaven or hell.
They know very well
The young people are aware of the consequences of their actions, but are determined to go forward regardless.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@k-vale4905
[Verse 1]
Another night in any town
You can hear the thunder of their cry
Ahead of their time
They wonder why
In the shadows of a golden age
A generation waits for dawn
Brave carry on
Bold and the strong
[Chorus]
Only the young can say
They're free to fly away
Sharing the same desires
Burning like wildfire
[Verse 2]
They are seeing through the promises
And all the lies they dare to tell
Is it heaven or hell?
They know very well
[Chorus]
Only the young can say
They're free to fly away
Sharing the same desires
Burning like wildfire
[Solo]
[Chorus]
Only the young can say
They're free to fly away
Sharing the same desires
Burning like wildfire
[Outro]
Only the young can say
Only the young can say (young can say)
Only the young can say
Only the young can say (young can say)
Only the young can say
@WillRock07
So there is a story behind this song. A distraught mother wrote to the group on the behalf of her son, Kenny Sykaluk who was losing his battle with Cystic Fibrosis. For people who don't have Cystic Fibrosis, thin layers of muscus is created by the body that keeps the airways smooth and protects you from irritants - but in Cystic Fibrosis, the muscus is too thick, which eventually leads to respiratory failure, and death.
This kid, Kenny Sykaluk was about to lose his battle with the disease and his final wish was to meet the members of Journey. They immediately flow to his bedside at a hospital to help comfort him in his final moments. They bought a walkman with a demo of "Only The Young" and Kenny was the first person to hear the song outside of the band.
Jonathan Caine said in an interview: "Still to this day I can only see his face, and I can see his pleasure of hearing that song... he just melted into his bed. That song will always be his song."
Caine later broke down saying it was the worst thing he'd ever seen and that it wasn't fair for kids to live in so much pain.
Kenny died less than 24 hours later.
Such a sad, but heartwarming story of a band going to help a young fan in the final hours of his life.
@l-pc1727
I grew up in the 60s and 70s
The song was playing when I asked a young lady to be my wife....
And it became OUR song..
Sadly she passed after 2 wonderful laugh filled years..
Folks if I've ever learned anything in all this time ..there's never a bad time to joke,laugh.& love with your entire being...kiss your mate many times daily hug your kids and kiss them even if they think they're to old..
I would gladly change places with my beloved..even tho she'd try to say not to..
Women sometimes can't see beyond their own life...
Even today I'd trade with her.
I did finally get string enough to go on but not a day has gone by that I remember her her smell her smile even her laugh at my silly jokes.
God's I loved her...
So people please listen to what makes you happy and laugh..
Thanks
@k-vale4905
[Verse 1]
Another night in any town
You can hear the thunder of their cry
Ahead of their time
They wonder why
In the shadows of a golden age
A generation waits for dawn
Brave carry on
Bold and the strong
[Chorus]
Only the young can say
They're free to fly away
Sharing the same desires
Burning like wildfire
[Verse 2]
They are seeing through the promises
And all the lies they dare to tell
Is it heaven or hell?
They know very well
[Chorus]
Only the young can say
They're free to fly away
Sharing the same desires
Burning like wildfire
[Solo]
[Chorus]
Only the young can say
They're free to fly away
Sharing the same desires
Burning like wildfire
[Outro]
Only the young can say
Only the young can say (young can say)
Only the young can say
Only the young can say (young can say)
Only the young can say
@robertgianino1265
Rigel Kent l
@blades2255
NOT HARLEY
@theunknown4570
yea. we heard it . thanks
@lionoftruth969
Thanks ☺
@Robocoppat
One of best songs of the 80s. I appreciate you posting the song lyrics. Such a Great song.
@californiaman2112
Who amongst us feels grateful to have lived in the 70's & 80's?
@jironthunder7519
you aint kidding.. thank you.. class of 1988 forver!!!!
@matthewneufer1758
80s and 90s
@krzysztofkonopka5559
I mean i wasn't alive then but i would want to go through AIDS epidemic. Covid is enough. Lol