About the song
“The Young Ones” stands as an iconic single by Cliff Richard and the Shadows, catapulting to fame as the title track for the 1961 film of the same name and its accompanying soundtrack album. Written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, the song was released in January 1962 under the Columbia (EMI) label and made an immediate impact by reaching the coveted No. 1 spot on the UK Singles Chart. This achievement was particularly notable as it was the first British single to achieve this feat since Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now or Never” in 1960, marking a significant milestone in British music history.
The song maintained its top position for six consecutive weeks and remained on the charts for a total of 20 weeks, cementing its status as a chart-topping sensation. Its popularity extended far beyond the UK, with global sales reaching 2.6 million copies, making it one of Cliff Richard’s most successful international releases.
In addition to its standalone success, “The Young Ones” was also featured on the EP titled Hits from the Young Ones, which further solidified its place in Cliff Richard’s discography. Over the years, the song has retained its appeal and is fondly remembered as a quintessential piece of British pop music from the early 1960s.
Decades later, in 2023, “The Young Ones” received a new lease on life when it was reworked and chosen as the lead single for the orchestral release Cliff with Strings. This orchestral rendition not only paid homage to the song’s enduring legacy but also introduced it to a new generation of listeners, showcasing its timeless appeal and versatility.
“The Young Ones” remains a cornerstone of Cliff Richard’s career, celebrated for its infectious melody, nostalgic lyrics, and its role in defining an era of British pop music that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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Lyrics
The young ones
Darling, we’re the young ones
And young ones
Shouldn’t be afraid
To live, love
While the flame is strong
For we may not be the young ones very long
Tomorrow
Why wait until tomorrow?
‘Cause tomorrow
Sometimes never comes
So love me
There’s a song to be sung
And the best time is to sing it while we’re young
Once in every lifetime
Comes a love like this
I need you, you need me
Whoa, my darling, can’t you see?
Young dreams
Should be dreams together
And young hearts shouldn’t be afraid
And some day
When the years have flown
Darling, then we’ll teach the young ones of our own
Once in every lifetime
Comes a love like this
Whoa, I need you and you need me
Oh, my darling, can’t you see?
Young dreams
Should be dreams together
And young hearts shouldn’t be afraid
And some day
When the years have flown
Darling, then we’ll teach the young ones of our own