Everyone who grew up with Miley Cyrus is about to feel this song in the bones. As the title suggests in this brand new single, “Used To Be Young” is about growing up and not being the same person we used to be a decade ago. Things might have changed for the better or worse, but we cannot help but miss something about the times back then. Somehow, things seemed simpler and happier.
Miley Cyrus released “Used To Be Young” as the lead single off of her second volume of ‘Endless Summer Vacation’ album. The singer released her eighth studio album on March 10, 2023. The re-issue includes the new single.
Taking to Twitter, Miley Cyrus explained the thought process behind “Used To Be Young;”
These lyrics were written almost 2 years ago at the beginning of my [Endless Summer Vacation]. It was at a time I felt misunderstood. I have spent the last 18 months painting a sonic picture of my perspective to share with you. The time has arrived to release a song that I could perfect forever. Although my work is done, this song will continue to write itself everyday. The fact it remains unfinished is a part of its beauty. That is my life at this moment… unfinished yet complete. Sincerely, Miley
Listen to “Used To Be Young” by Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus “Used To Be Young” Lyrics Meaning and Song Review
It is difficult to understand the intentions behind this song by Miley Cyrus. Growth and change are nothing but natural and affect everyone. No one will be the same person they were a decade ago. If they are, that is a red flag.
However, in this song, Miley Cyrus feels it necessary to explain why she is a changed person today than when she began her career. Miley has been in the entertainment industry for what seems like a lifetime. From ‘Hannah Montana’ on television to one of the biggest pop artists in the world, she has come a long way. However, she has had a fair share of controversy for many years.
The infamous ‘Bangerz’ album, era, and tour branded Miley Cyrus as one of the ‘wild ones.’ Her clothing, twerking, and raunchy performances on stages made some people turn permanently against her. Many parents shut off Miley from their kids, for parental reasons.
This is why Miley feels the need to start this song saying “I don’t dress the same.” Her raunchy clothing was a big part of the persona she portrayed at the time. So, in the song, she is stripping away from those clothing. For people who are still hung up on this side of Miley, she reminds us that those days are of the past.
Miley Cyrus also references the classic song “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol. This is a song about chasing a dream that you can never reach. Miley compares this sentiment to the fast-paced and wild ride she had when she was young.
In 2008, Miley Cyrus posed semi-nude for the cover of Vanity Fair magazine. She was 15 years old at the time. Needless to say, this landed her in some hot waters, and also the music industry was blamed for sexualizing minors. Miley Cyrus had to make a public apology for this, which she withdrew 10 years later.
Miley attributes all her ‘wild’ behavior to her age. It is not to say that she would have done things differently if she got a second chance. She did what she did when she did it. And people change. Nobody has to be held accountable for what they did unless it’s something illegal.
In the second verse of the song, Miley Cyrus mentions that she did things and said things without weighing their consequences. She also brushes on ‘ones that got away,’ likely hinting at her failed marriage with Liam Hemsworth.
Looking back at how her life has changed over the past few years, Miley also notices that people around her have also changed. Once she used to be surrounded by party-goers and fun people. But now that she is no longer the ‘wild’ Miley she was, there are fewer of these people around her. People change, and people move on. So should we all.
Let us hear what you think about this song in the comments below. Read the complete lyrics to the song on Genius.