Young and Foolish
Tony Bennett Bill Evans Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Young and foolish
Why is it wrong to be
Young and foolish
We haven't long to be

Soon enough the carefree days
The sunlit days go by
Soon enough the bluebird has to fly

We were foolish
One day we fell in love
Now we wonder
What were we dreaming of

Smiling in the sunlight
Laughing in the rain
I wish that we were
Young and foolish again

Smiling in the sunlight
Laughing in the rain




I wish that we were
Young and foolish again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tony Bennett and Bill Evans's song, "Young and Foolish", express the idea that being young and naïve shouldn't be considered wrong or bad. In fact, there is a certain beauty and freedom that comes with being young and foolish. The lyrics suggest that, as we age and mature, we start to realize the harsh realities of life, including the fact that time is limited and we must make the most of the carefree days before they pass us by. The song laments the loss of innocence and the joy that comes with uncertainty and risk-taking, and the desire to recapture that feeling again.


The bluebird, a symbol of happiness and youth, represents the fleeting nature of time and the need to enjoy life while we have it. The song takes a nostalgic look back at a time when the world was full of possibilities and anything seemed possible, especially falling in love. The chorus is a wistful longing to relive and recapture the carefree joy and freedom of youth. Overall, "Young and Foolish" is a beautiful, melancholic meditation on the fleeting nature of youth and the beauty of living life to the fullest.


Line by Line Meaning

Young and foolish
Being young and inexperienced may be perceived negatively, but it's a stage of life that's inevitable and full of discovery.


Why is it wrong to be
The societal pressure to act a certain way at a certain age can be stifling and misguided.


We haven't long to be
The fleeting nature of youth is a reminder to embrace life and experiences while they last.


Soon enough the carefree days
The burden of responsibility comes with age and maturity, and the happiness of carefree days will be a thing of the past.


The sunlit days go by
Time passes quickly and youth is a precious time to enjoy every moment.


Soon enough the bluebird has to fly
Just like the bluebird leaving its nest to fly, youth is a time for taking risks and exploring new possibilities.


We were foolish
Inexperience can lead to foolish decisions and behaviors, but it's a natural part of growing up.


One day we fell in love
Love is an experience that can happen at any age, and it's something that should be cherished and appreciated.


Now we wonder
Reflection on past decisions and experiences can bring wisdom and perspective as we grow older.


What were we dreaming of
As we gain more life experience, we may question the decisions we made in our youth and wonder if they were truly worth it.


Smiling in the sunlight
Youth is often associated with carefree happiness and joy, and those memories can be cherished forever.


Laughing in the rain
Experiencing simple pleasures like laughing in the rain can create fond memories to look back on and appreciate.


I wish that we were
Nostalgia for the past is a common feeling, but it's important to appreciate and enjoy the present.


Young and foolish again
The longing for the carefree and innocent days of youth can be a reminder to live life with youthful enthusiasm and embrace new experiences.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALBERT HAGUE, ARNOLD B. HORWITT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@miguelangelklein3050

Young and foolish
Why is it wrong to be
Young and foolish
We haven't long to be
Soon enough the carefree days
The sunlit days go by
Soon enough the bluebird has to fly
We were foolish
One day we fell in love
Now we wonder
What were we dreaming of
Smiling in the sunlight
Laughing in the rain
I wish that we were
Young and foolish again
Smiling in the sunlight
Laughing in the rain
I wish that we were
Young and foolish again



All comments from YouTube:

@samyoon3218

Such a beautiful tune

@randregL

This is absolutely one of my favorite albums of all time.

@johnbeckett1401

This and John Coltrane/Johnny Hartmann My desert island albums

@paulbrewer2374

Art song at its highest. Both men are great here. Bill’s rhapsodic playing before Tony’s last entrance is breathtaking. And Tony sings with such passion at the end, it’s almost more than I can bear, especially Tony’s extended diminuendo before the release. Sheer brilliance from both men.

@miscellanyman263

I cried, first time I heard this, decades ago. A few weeks after, there he was, standing face-to-face with me: Mr. Bennett, at the old Coliseum Bookstore in mid-Manhattan. And only later after that did I discover that "Professor Shorofsky" from "Fame" (film/TV series), Albert Hague, wrote the tune. Thanks, Tony, Bill and Albert.

@ManoletMSiojo

Timeless

@josephciolino2865

In the realm of popular music...does it get any better than this? Actually, the whole album?

@grahamgordon1366

Simply superb.

@user-cg6wn5zk3i

Simply Superb.

@andreadutraCantora

the beauty <3

More Comments

More Versions