About The Song
"Young Turks" by Rod Stewart, released in 1981, is a rock anthem that captures the essence of youth, rebellion, and the pursuit of freedom. Co-written by Stewart and Carmine Appice, the song stands out with its infectious energy, catchy melody, and socially relevant lyrics. A departure from Stewart's earlier work, "Young Turks" marked a shift towards a more contemporary sound, blending rock, new wave, and pop influences.
The song's title, "Young Turks," refers to a subculture of young, rebellious individuals, and the lyrics tell the story of a couple determined to break away from societal expectations and live life on their own terms. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a working-class struggle, portraying the protagonists as a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, navigating the challenges of economic hardship and societal norms. The song's upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation complement its rebellious spirit, creating an anthemic quality that resonated with a diverse audience.
Musically, "Young Turks" showcases Stewart's versatility and willingness to embrace evolving musical trends. The song features a prominent synthesizer riff, reflecting the influence of new wave and synth-pop prevalent in the early '80s. The fusion of rock elements with contemporary production techniques gives "Young Turks" a timeless quality that has contributed to its enduring popularity. Stewart's gravelly vocals, a trademark of his style, add authenticity and charisma to the performance, further enhancing the song's appeal.
The accompanying music video for "Young Turks" played a crucial role in the song's success. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the video skillfully complemented the narrative of the song, featuring a mix of storytelling and energetic performance shots. The visual depiction of the young couple's journey resonated with audiences, enhancing the song's impact and cultural significance.
Beyond its initial release, "Young Turks" has become a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite at Rod Stewart's live performances. Its inclusion in various films, TV shows, and commercials has further solidified its place in popular culture. "Young Turks" remains a testament to Rod Stewart's ability to evolve with the times while maintaining his distinctive voice and storytelling prowess. The song's enduring popularity attests to its universal themes of rebellion, love, and the pursuit of a better life, making it a standout in Rod Stewart's extensive and influential discography.
Video
Lyrics
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