Young Turks
Rod Stewart Lyrics


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Billy left his home with a dollar in his pocket and a head full of dreams
He said somehow, some way, it's gotta get better than this
Patti packed her bags, left a note for her mama, she was just seventeen
There were tears in her eyes when she kissed her little sister goodbye

They held each other tight as they drove on through the night, they were so excited
We got but one shot at life, let's take it while we're still not afraid
Because life is so brief and time is a thief when you're undecided
And like a fistful of sand, it can slip right through your hands

Young hearts be free tonight
Time is on your side
Don't let 'em put you down, don't let 'em push you around
Don't let 'em ever change your point of view

Paradise was closed so they headed for the coast in a blissful manner
They took a two room apartment that was jumping every night of the week
Happiness was found in each other's arms as expected, yeah
Billy pierced his ears, drove a pickup like a lunatic, ooh

Young hearts be free tonight
Time is on your side
Don't let 'em put you down, don't let 'em push you around
Don't let 'em ever change your point of view

Come on Billy
Woo

Young heart, be free tonight
Time is on, on your side

Billy wrote a letter back home to Patti's parents tryin' to explain
He said we're both real sorry that it had to turn out this way
But there ain't no point in talking when there's nobody listening, so we just ran away
Patti gave birth to a ten pound baby boy, yeah

Young hearts be free tonight
Time is on your side
Young hearts be free tonight
Time is on your side
Young hearts be free tonight
Time in on your side

Young hearts gotta run free, be free, live free
Time is on, time is on your side
Time, time, time, time is on your side
Is on your side, is on your side
Young heart be free tonight




Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Rod Stewart's song Young Turks tell the story of two young lovers, Billy and Patti, who leave their homes to start a new life together. Though they don't have much money or direction, they are full of hope and excitement for what the future holds. The first verse chronicles their departure, with Billy dreaming of a better life, and Patti saying goodbye tearfully to her family. Despite the uncertainty of their situation, they hold onto each other and their dreams.


In the chorus, Rod Stewart encourages young hearts to be free and not be held down or discouraged by others. He acknowledges that time is both fleeting and precious, and urges them to make the most of it while they can. The second verse paints a picture of their new life, living in a small apartment and embracing their youth and newfound freedom. Billy even pierces his ears and drives a pickup like a "lunatic", reveling in his newfound independence. The song ends with a bittersweet note, as Billy writes a letter to Patti's parents explaining their situation, and Patti gives birth to their child.


Overall, Young Turks is an ode to young love and youthful optimism, and the desire to grab life by the horns and live it to the fullest. It's a reminder to not let others influence your decisions or outlook on life, and to always hold onto your dreams.


Line by Line Meaning

Billy left his home with a dollar in his pocket and a head full of dreams
Billy left his home with a meager amount of money and a lot of aspirations


He said somehow, some way, it's gotta get better than this
Billy was optimistic about the future, hoping for a better life


Patti packed her bags, left a note for her mama, she was just seventeen
Patti, a seventeen-year-old girl, left home with a note for her mother


There were tears in her eyes when she kissed her little sister goodbye
Patti was sad to leave her younger sister behind and shed tears while bidding her farewell


They held each other tight as they drove on through the night, they were so excited
Billy and Patti were thrilled about starting a new life and held each other tightly during their journey


We got but one shot at life, let's take it while we're still not afraid
Billy believed that life was short and advised Patti to make the most of it while they were still young and fearless


Because life is so brief and time is a thief when you're undecided
Billy realized that life could be fleeting, and indecisiveness could make a person lose out on it


And like a fistful of sand, it can slip right through your hands
Life can be slippery, and if one is not careful, it can fade away effortlessly


Young hearts be free tonight
Billy implored the young generation to be unshackled and carefree


Time is on your side
They have plenty of time to enjoy and live their life to the fullest


Don't let 'em put you down, don't let 'em push you around
Billy advised the youngsters not to allow others to belittle or control them


Don't let 'em ever change your point of view
Billy advised not to give in to others' opinions and maintain their own unique perspective


Paradise was closed so they headed for the coast in a blissful manner
Billy and Patti went to the coast because their original plan of going to paradise didn't materialize.


They took a two-room apartment that was jumping every night of the week
Billy and Patti rented a vibrant two-room apartment that was lively throughout the week


Happiness was found in each other's arms as expected, yeah
Billy and Patti found happiness in each other's company, as anticipated


Billy pierced his ears, drove a pickup like a lunatic, ooh
Billy made some strange choices, such as piercing his ears and driving recklessly


Come on Billy
Someone is encouraging Billy to do something exciting or fun


Billy wrote a letter back home to Patti's parents trying to explain
Billy wrote a letter to Patti's parents, attempting to clarify their actions and reasons behind their departure


He said we're both real sorry that it had to turn out this way
Billy expressed remorse for the negative turn of events as he penned the letter


But there ain't no point in talking when there's nobody listening, so we just ran away
Billy came to a realization that nobody would understand or hear their explanation, so they chose to run away


Patti gave birth to a ten-pound baby boy, yeah
Patti delivered a ten-pound baby boy


Young hearts gotta run free, be free, live free
Billy conveyed that the youth should run with their heart, be liberated and live life to the fullest


Time is on, time is on your side
Billy reiterates that there's still plenty of time for the youngsters to cherish their freedom and time is still on their side


Time, time, time, time is on your side
Billy emphasizes that the prime of their lives lies ahead of them, and they should make the most of their youth


Is on your side, is on your side
Billy reassures that the abundant time is still at the youth's disposal


Young heart be free tonight
Billy stresses that the youth should feel free to live their life as they want tonight


Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, yeah
The word 'tonight' is repeated several times, accentuating living the moment with complete freedom and zest.


Ooh, ooh, ooh
A melody to provide a musical finish to the song.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Rod Stewart, Duane Hitchings, Kevin Savigar, Carmine Appice Jr

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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