You don't have to be old to...
Judas Priest Lyrics


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I've had enough of being programmed
And told what I ought to do
Let's get one thing straight
I'll choose my fate
And it's got nothing to do with you

The years are flying by and it's time I got high
Took a sample of the good things in life
This is a chance
I'm gonna take
Gonna kick out trouble and strife

I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong
You don't have to be old to be wise

No I don't care that the people stare
Accuse me of going mad
Just get a long hard look into the mirror
Then, tell me now who's been had

The way things are going I won't get to show 'em
Go single all the time's up to me
So it's off with the ties
No compromise
want to taste what it's like to be free

I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong
You don't have to be old to be wise

I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong
You don't have to be old to be wise

Alright, I'm gonna gather my things
Go through the door
Live and let live from now on
At last a free hand, no longer pre-planned
I got a will of my own

I go as I please
Fend for myself
Pull all the stops, throw the dice
Out on my own, gonna go it alone
When I need it
Then I'll ask for advice

You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise




You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise

Overall Meaning

The song "You Don't Have to be Old toโ€ฆ" by Judas Priest is about the desire to break free from the conventional expectations of society and to live life on one's terms. The lyrics talk about the singer's frustration with being imposed with limits and being told what to do, and his desire to make his own choices, regardless of what others might think.


The song encourages the listener to live life to the fullest, without worrying about conforming to societal expectations. It talks about seizing the moment and embracing the joys of life, even if one is young and inexperienced. The singer acknowledges that people might judge him for his choices, but he's resolute in his conviction to live life his own way.


Overall, the song's message is one of empowerment and self-determination. It's a call to break free from the limitations imposed by society and to embrace one's passions and desires, irrespective of age or social status.


Line by Line Meaning

I've had enough of being programmed
I am tired of being told what to do


And told what I ought to do
Dictated to regarding how to act


Let's get one thing straight
This is the truth


I'll choose my fate
I decide my destiny


And it's got nothing to do with you
Your input is not needed


The years are flying by and it's time I got high
My life is passing quickly and I want to enjoy it


Took a sample of the good things in life
Experienced the pleasures of living


This is a chance
An opportunity has presented itself


I'm gonna take
I will seize it


Gonna kick out trouble and strife
Will eliminate difficulties and strife


I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
I am tired of hearing the same falsehoods


Might look a little young
I appear youthful


So what's wrong
What is the issue?


You don't have to be old to be wise
Wisdom is not limited to age


No I don't care that the people stare
I am not bothered by others' disapproving looks


Accuse me of going mad
Claim I am losing my mind


Just get a long hard look into the mirror
Reflect on yourself thoroughly


Then, tell me now who's been had
Realize who has been deceived


The way things are going I won't get to show 'em
If things continue as they are, I will not be able to prove myself


Go single all the time's up to me
Be alone because it is my decision


So it's off with the ties
Get rid of the restraints


No compromise
No bargaining


want to taste what it's like to be free
Wish to experience liberty


Alright, I'm gonna gather my things
I am going to collect my belongings


Go through the door
Walk out of this place


Live and let live from now on
From now on, let others live as they please


At last a free hand, no longer pre-planned
Finally, I can decide for myself


I got a will of my own
I have my own desires


I go as I please
I act as I wish


Fend for myself
Take care of myself


Pull all the stops, throw the dice
Use all possible resources, take a risk


Out on my own, gonna go it alone
Will be independent


When I need it
If necessary


Then I'll ask for advice
I will ask for help


You don't have to be old to be wise
Wisdom is not limited to age


You don't have to be old to be wise
Wisdom is not limited to age


You don't have to be old to be wise
Wisdom is not limited to age


You don't have to be old to be wise
Wisdom is not limited to age


You don't have to be old to be wise
Wisdom is not limited to age


You don't have to be old to be wise
Wisdom is not limited to age




Lyrics ยฉ OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Putrid Abomination

Young or old, if you listen to Priest you're wise

Kendrick Diego

Yes sir, I have listened to Judas priest and right now I am mor wise than before, sir

Leandro Nicolas Abaurrea

Yeahhhh!!

D H

Your a wise man !

Stephen Mcdermott

I'd say so to, I'm 16 and definitely an odd one out nowadays but I still get along with just about everyone

Putrid Abomination

@OptimusRhymz 222 not making any sense...

18 More Replies...

The1WhoKnowsTheTruth

โ€œI grow sick and tired of the same old lies.โ€ I felt that line at 15 and now at 55. Long Live Priest. \m/

Sam Campbell

Totally the same!! I said fuck the world with its bullshit at an early age!

Lauryn S

Miss my dad so much. He passed away on the 1st and Judas was his favorite band. Heโ€™d always get so hyped on them. I miss him so much, he was the wisest and coolest man I knew.

Don Cool

someday maybe you will find someone of that caliper in todays world...good luck

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