About the song
“Young Turks,” a vibrant track by Rod Stewart from his 1981 album *Tonight I’m Yours*, epitomizes the artist’s foray into the synth-pop and new wave realms. This song marked a significant departure from Stewart’s earlier rock and blues influences, showcasing his adaptability and keen interest in contemporary music trends of the early ’80s.
The term “young Turk,” from which the song derives its title, refers to a rebellious youth challenging societal norms. However, the phrase itself does not appear in the lyrics. Instead, the chorus emphasizes the rallying cry “young hearts, be free, tonight,” leading to the song being frequently referred to as “Young Hearts” or “Young Hearts Be Free.” This focus on youthful rebellion and freedom resonates with the song’s energetic and upbeat style.
“Young Turks” was crafted with a blend of synthesizers, a prominent hi-hat, and drum machine rhythms, setting it apart from traditional rock ballads. The composition was a collaborative effort by Carmine Appice, Duane Hitchings, and Kevin Savigar, with Stewart contributing the lyrics. The production, highlighted by its melodic and lyrically engaging nature, was praised by Billboard as a quintessential example of Stewart’s knack for creating memorable, slightly edgier pop tracks. Record World commended Stewart’s shift from his characteristic gravelly voice to a lighter, more appealing tenor, which complemented the song’s brisk beat and synthesizer-driven sound.
Upon its release, “Young Turks” quickly made an impact on the charts. It debuted at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 in mid-October 1981 and ascended to a peak position of number 5 by December of the same year. The song also enjoyed success internationally, reaching number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and climbing into the Top 5 in countries like Australia, Belgium, and Canada, with a number 1 position in Israel.
The song’s music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy and choreographed by Kenny Ortega, was notable for its depiction of breakdancing, aligning with the early days of MTV’s focus on innovative visual content. Filmed in downtown Los Angeles, the video features a storyline of a runaway couple, juxtaposed with dynamic breakdancing performances. This visual representation helped to cement “Young Turks” as a memorable piece of early ’80s pop culture.
Stewart’s performance of “Young Turks” was also showcased in a rooftop segment on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand 30th Anniversary Special in October 1981, further amplifying the song’s visibility and impact.
In summary, “Young Turks” represents a key moment in Rod Stewart’s career, highlighting his ability to evolve with the musical landscape of the time. Its infectious rhythm, compelling lyrics, and innovative video elements make it a standout track from the early ’80s, reflecting the vibrancy and youthful energy of the era.
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