“Too Young” Nat King Cole

About the song

“Too Young,” composed by Sidney Lippman with lyrics by Sylvia Dee, emerged as a defining hit of the early 1950s, propelled by the incomparable voice of Nat King Cole. Released in March 1951 by Capitol Records, the song quickly ascended to the top of the charts, becoming the best-selling single of the year in the United States.

The song’s narrative revolves around the theme of youthful love and the poignant notion of being “too young” to fully comprehend the depth of emotions. It struck a chord with listeners, particularly the younger demographic, at a time when post-war optimism and prosperity were beginning to influence popular culture.

Nat King Cole’s rendition of “Too Young” stands out not only for its melodic beauty but also for its commercial success. Recorded in February 1951 at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, the song captivated audiences with Cole’s smooth and soulful delivery. It topped the Billboard charts for five consecutive weeks starting in June 1951 and remained on the Best Seller chart for an impressive 29 weeks. Additionally, it spent 12 weeks atop Your Hit Parade and eight weeks at number one on the Cash Box chart, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Beyond its chart dominance, “Too Young” signaled a pivotal shift in the music industry. It was among the first instances where record labels actively sought to appeal to younger audiences, recognizing their burgeoning influence and purchasing power. The song’s unprecedented success paved the way for a wave of music aimed directly at the youth market, setting the stage for the explosion of rock and roll later in the decade.

Nat King Cole himself held “Too Young” in high regard, considering it one of his personal favorites among his extensive repertoire. His heartfelt interpretation, coupled with the song’s timeless themes and universal appeal, ensured its enduring legacy in the annals of music history.

As a testament to its enduring popularity, “Too Young” continues to resonate with audiences, its lush melodies and poignant lyrics serving as a poignant reminder of the innocence and romance of youth.

Video

Lyrics

They try to tell us we’re too young
Too young to really be in love
They say that love’s a word
A word we’ve only heard
But can’t begin to know the meaning of

And yet we’re not too young to know
This love will last though years may go
And then some day they may recall
We were not too young at all

And yet we’re not too young to know
This love will last though years may go
And then some day they may recall
We were not too young at all