Used To Be Young

"Used To Be Young" is a reflective and introspective ballad where Miley Cyrus confronts public perception and her own past with a newfound sense of maturity and acceptance. The song's core message is a reframing of her so-called 'wild' or 'crazy' years, attributing the behavior not to a flawed character but to the natural process of being young. It is a statement about honoring one's past self, loving the present self, and celebrating the person one will become. Cyrus moves beyond regret, acknowledging the fun and the lessons learned from her tumultuous youth. The lyrics, "Those wasted nights are not wasted / I remember every one," underscore the idea that every experience, positive or negative, contributes to personal growth. Ultimately, the song serves as a bittersweet goodbye to past eras of her life, not with remorse, but with gratitude and peace, closing a chapter to begin a new one.

The song opens with an admission of undeniable change, a clear departure from a past self. The narrator acknowledges that her current identity, even her style of dress, is completely separate from the person she was yesterday. She has consciously left behind a life of recklessness, likening it to the futile act of 'chasing cars.' The realization has dawned that the seemingly glamorous world of 'open bars' ultimately leads to emotional pain and regrettable excess. There's a frankness in this acknowledgment, a sense that the truth of her transformation is 'bulletproof' and cannot be denied by others.

The chorus serves as the song's central thesis, a direct response to outside perceptions. When people label her past self as 'crazy' or 'wild,' her gentle correction is that she was simply 'young.' This refrain is a powerful re-framing of her history, replacing judgment with the context of youth. She accepts that time has changed her, and she’s at peace with it, viewing her past as a 'good run.' The repetition emphasizes her newfound understanding that the chaos of her youth was not a character flaw but a natural phase of growing up.

In the second verse, the theme of letting go is explored more deeply. The narrator dismisses the point of crying over things that are unchangeable, listing 'tattoos and regrets' and words spoken without thought as indelible marks of the past. This isn’t about erasing history but about accepting its permanence without dwelling on it. She reiterates the decision to abandon her 'living fast' lifestyle for a different path. A poignant observation follows: the 'crowded rooms' of her past life quickly 'empty out' when a new scene emerges, suggesting a disillusionment with the fleeting and superficial nature of that social world.

A bridge of emotive, wordless vocals builds the emotional intensity, leading to a climactic final chorus. Here, the reflection on her past takes on a more affectionate tone. She revisits the idea of being 'crazy,' but adds a significant qualifier: 'Messed up, but, God, was it fun.' This line injects a sense of joyful nostalgia, confirming that she doesn't entirely disown her past behavior. Furthermore, she asserts that the 'wasted nights are not wasted,' because she remembers every single one. This is the ultimate statement of self-acceptance; every experience, no matter how chaotic, has contributed to the person she is today, and she finds value in those memories. The song concludes by reiterating the core message: her past actions were not born of wildness for its own sake, but were a product of being young.

The creation of "Used To Be Young" was a lengthy and thoughtful process. Miley Cyrus revealed that the lyrics were first written almost two years before its release, around 2021, during the initial stages of developing her eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation. She described this period as a time when she felt misunderstood. Cyrus spent the subsequent 18 months meticulously "painting a sonic picture" of her perspective to share with her fans. The song was written by Cyrus in collaboration with Michael Pollack and Aldae (Gregory Aldae Hein). The production was handled by Cyrus, Pollack, and Shawn Everett. Some sources also note that top songwriter Greg Kurstin may have contributed. Cyrus has also mentioned that she drew some inspiration from Adele during the writing process, which can be felt in the song's emotional depth. The single was officially released on August 25, 2023, a date chosen for its significance; it marked the 10th anniversary of her controversial 2013 MTV VMAs performance and the release of her hit song "Wrecking Ball".

"Used To Be Young" employs a relatively simple and consistent rhyme scheme that enhances its straightforward, ballad-like quality. The verses often follow a pattern of AABB or ABCB, using perfect and near rhymes to create a melodic and easily digestible flow. For example, in the second verse, "out" rhymes with "'bout," and "erase" has a near rhyme with "meant" and "away." This uncomplicated structure supports the song's direct and confessional tone. The chorus is particularly memorable due to its rhythmic repetition and parallel structure: "I know I used to be crazy / I know I used to be fun / You say I used to be wild / I say I used to be young." The rhythm of the lyrics works in tandem with the song's slow, deliberate tempo. The cadence of the vocal melody is measured and reflective, allowing each word to carry emotional weight. There's a gentle, swaying rhythm to the piece, driven by the piano, which contributes to its nostalgic and melancholic feel without becoming overly somber.

Musically, "Used To Be Young" is a stripped-back pop ballad characterized by its melancholic piano chords and subtle string arrangements, which creates an intimate and emotional atmosphere. This style is reminiscent of her iconic ballad "The Climb," providing a sense of full-circle reflection for longtime fans. The production, handled by Cyrus, Michael Pollack, and Shawn Everett, is intentionally simple, placing the focus squarely on her vocal performance and the lyrical narrative. Her vocal delivery is a key stylistic element; it is raw, emotional, and vulnerable, conveying a deep sense of sincerity and introspection. Lyrically, the song employs a direct, conversational narrative voice. Cyrus uses rhetorical framing in the chorus ("You say I used to be wild / I say I used to be young") to directly address and correct public perception, a powerful technique for reclaiming her own story. The single-shot music video is a significant stylistic choice, creating an unbroken, intimate connection with the viewer and emphasizing the raw, unfiltered emotion of her performance.

"Used To Be Young" had a significant cultural and commercial impact upon its release. The song debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Miley Cyrus's 12th top-ten hit in the United States. It performed well across platforms, debuting at number two on the Digital Song Sales chart and number nine on Streaming Songs. The song also charted internationally, appearing in the top charts of countries like the UK, Australia, Belgium, and Canada. Culturally, the song was received as a poignant statement on growing up in the public eye and a mature reflection on a controversial past. It resonated deeply with fans who had grown up alongside Cyrus, from her Hannah Montana days to her Bangerz era. The song's release was accompanied by an ABC documentary special, Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions), and a YouTube series where Cyrus discussed her life and career, further contextualizing the song's themes and amplifying its message of self-reflection.

The music video and lyrics for "Used To Be Young" are rich with symbolism that reflects on Miley Cyrus's career trajectory.

• The Mickey Mouse T-shirt: In the music video, Cyrus wears a vintage Mickey Mouse T-shirt under a glittering red bustier. This is a direct and powerful nod to her origins as a Disney Channel star on Hannah Montana. It symbolizes an embrace of her past and an integration of her child-star identity with the mature artist she is today.
• Tears and a Smile: Throughout the video, Cyrus is visibly emotional, shedding tears as she sings. However, the video concludes with her breaking into a wide grin. This emotional journey from sadness to joy represents her acceptance and fond remembrance of her past, moving from the pain of being misunderstood to a place of peace.
• "Chasin' Cars" and "Open Bars": These lyrical metaphors represent a past lifestyle of recklessness and fleeting pleasures. "Chasin' cars" suggests a dangerous and pointless pursuit, while "open bars lead to broken hearts" symbolizes the emotional toll of a life centered around partying.
• Dark Pathway: The music video's setting, featuring Cyrus walking on a darkened set, has been seen as reminiscent of her 2009 music video for "The Climb," symbolizing her long and often scrutinized journey through fame.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the chorus's central refrain: "I know I used to be crazy... That's 'cause I used to be young." This line is the thematic core of the song, repeated multiple times to hammer home its message of recontextualizing a rebellious past through the lens of youth. The repetition acts as a powerful act of self-defense and self-acceptance. A key variation occurs in the final chorus, where the line becomes "Messed up, but, God, was it fun." This alteration is crucial, as it shifts the tone from merely explaining her past to actively celebrating the joy within the chaos. Another recurring motif is the idea of leaving the past behind, expressed in phrases like "gone our separate ways" and "left my livin' fast somewhere in the past." This repetition emphasizes the decisiveness of her personal evolution and her commitment to a different path in life.