On an excerpt of the Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions) special Miley mentioned that the date has a special meaning to her:
‘I decided to release used to be young on August 25th because this particular date historically has been important to me personally and in my career.’ She said.
On the same day in 2013, the singer released “Wrecking Ball” as the second single from her fourth studio album Bangerz. Later that day, her controversial VMA performance of Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” took place, alongside the singer.
Used to Be Young
Miley Cyrus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't dress the same
Me and who you say I was yesterday
Have gone our separate ways
Left my living fast somewhere in the past
'Cause that's for chasing cars
Turns out open bars lead to broken hearts
I know I used to be crazy
I know I used to be fun
You say I used to be wild
I say I used to be young
You tell me time has done changed me
That's fine, I've had a good run
I know I used to be crazy
That's 'cause I used to be young
Take one, pour it out
It's not worth crying 'bout the things you can't erase
Like tattoos and regrets
Words I never meant and ones that got away
Left my living fast somewhere in the past
And took another road
Turns out crowded rooms empty out as soon
There's somewhere else to go, oh
I know I used to be crazy
I know I used to be fun
You say I used to be wild
I say I used to be young
You tell me time has done changed me
That's fine, I've had a good run
I know I used to be crazy
That's 'cause I used to be young
Oh, oh
Oh-whoa, oh-whoa, oh-whoa, oh
Yeah
Whoa, whoa
Oh-whoa, oh-whoa, oh-whoa, oh
I know I used to be crazy
Messed up, but, God, was it fun
I know I used to be wild
That's 'cause I used to be young
Those wasted nights are not wasted
I remember every one
I know I used to be crazy
That's 'cause I used to be young
You tell me time has done changed me
That's fine, I've had a good run
I know I used to be crazy
That's 'cause I used to be young
In the song "Used to Be Young" by Miley Cyrus, she reflects on her past and acknowledges the changes that time has brought upon her. The lyrics convey a sense of maturity and self-awareness as she realizes that she has grown and evolved from the person she used to be.
The opening lines, "The truth is bulletproof, there's no fooling you," suggest that the singer is no longer interested in pretending or putting on a facade. She acknowledges that she no longer dresses the same and has moved on from her previous self. The line "Left my living fast somewhere in the past, 'cause that's for chasing cars" signifies a shift in priorities and a departure from a reckless and impulsive lifestyle. The mention of "open bars" leading to "broken hearts" and going "way too far" implies that the singer has learned from her past mistakes and is now more cautious in her actions and choices.
The chorus, "I know I used to be crazy, I know I used to be fun," indicates that the singer recognizes her previous wild and carefree nature. However, she also asserts that she used to be young and that time has inevitably changed her, but she is content with the experiences she has had. The line "Take one, pour it out, it's not worth crying 'bout the things you can't erase" suggests a sense of acceptance and moving forward. The lyrics emphasize the idea that the singer's past, including both the highs and the lows, has shaped her into who she is today.
Overall, "Used to Be Young" is a reflective and nostalgic song that explores the growth and transformation that comes with age and experience. It highlights the importance of embracing change and cherishing the memories and lessons from the past.
Line by Line Meaning
The truth is bulletproof, there's no fooling you
No matter what, you see through the lies and know the truth
I don't dress the same
I have changed my style and appearance
Me and who you say I was yesterday
The person you think I used to be is no longer a part of me
Have gone our separate ways
We have moved on from each other's lives
Left my living fast somewhere in the past
I have let go of my reckless lifestyle
'Cause that's for chasing cars
Being impulsive is a futile pursuit
Turns out open bars lead to broken hearts
Indulging in unlimited pleasures only leads to heartbreak
And going way too far
Pushing boundaries beyond reason
I know I used to be crazy
I acknowledge my past behavior of being wild
I know I used to be fun
I used to enjoy life to the fullest
You say I used to be wild
According to you, I was once untamed
I say I used to be young
But in reality, I was just youthful and naive
You tell me time has done changed me
You claim that time has transformed me
That's fine, I've had a good run
I'm okay with that, I've had my fair share of experiences
Take one, pour it out
Get rid of the negativity and let it go
It's not worth crying 'bout the things you can't erase
Crying over the past won't change anything
Like tattoos and regrets
Symbols permanently marking my body and the mistakes I made
Words I never meant and ones that got away
Things I said without sincerity and the opportunities I missed
And took another road
I chose a different path in life
Turns out crowded rooms empty out as soon
Realizing that bustling social scenes quickly become empty
There's somewhere else to go, oh
People always move on to the next destination
Messed up, but God, was it fun
I admit that I made mistakes, but it was incredibly enjoyable
Those wasted nights are not wasted
Even though they may seem pointless, those nights hold value
I remember everyone
I still recall every single one of those experiences
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Greg Allen Kurstin, Gregory Aldae Hein, Michael Ross Pollack, Miley Ray Cyrus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tlh0121
It’s not fair that we’re only “young” for such a short period of our lives. My dad used to always tell me growing up, “You’ll be an adult a lot longer than you’ll be a kid — don’t rush it.”
@brandimadrid2219
I tell my son that. He’s still little, but it’s also my answer when I let him stay babied a bit longer.
You’ll be an adult a lot younger than you’ll be a kid. ❤
@tlh0121
@@brandimadrid2219 yes! I’m always telling this to my 8-year-old daughter (who is already growing up at super sonic speed), but it usually goes in one ear and right out the other — just as it did when my dad told me as kid. We all want to be grown so bad, but once we get there we cry about how unfair it is that adulthood is 3 x’s longer than childhood lol.
@brendaducharme8434
My "baby" girl is going to be 21 next month & I often find myself thinking "God, where does the time go...?" I work at a Grocery store & when I see all the wittles, as I like to call them, lol, "Don't grow up!! It's a trap!" When the older ones ask me why, I simply say "Because then alllll you do is work & pay taxes!" 😂😉
@hotty7241
Desdfdd
@ldy2hzlft1111
My friend & I at 13 wishing we were 16.Her mother telling us to enjoy this time because its downhill from 16, Im 59..downhill is fast.I remember 16 like it was yesterday though.
@killerQnn6
Miley is the best example of an artist growing and proving everyone her worth by just living life, leaning to love herself and just being herself. She's amazing, and I will always admire her and support her!
@Steveman27
That sounds like of vague, sort of like that kind of saying can apply to anyone.
@mjblue84
Miley, I am in my 70's and you just sang my life story. Thank you.
@susanleone9767
I totally agree with you