I've had enough of being programmed
And told what I ought to do
Let's get one thing straight
I'll choose my fate
It's got nothing to do with you

The years are flying by and it's time I got high
Took a sample of the good things in life
This is a chance I'm gonna take
Gonna kick out trouble and strife

I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong?
You don't have to be old to be wise

No, I don't care that the people stare
Accuse me of going mad
Just get a long hard look into the mirror
Then tell me now, who's been had?

The way things are going I won't get to show 'em
Go single all the time, up to me
So it's off with the ties
No compromise
Wanna taste what it's like to be free

I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong?
You don't have to be old to be wise

I grow sick and tired of the same old lies
Might look a little young
So what's wrong?
You don't have to be old to be wise

Alright, I'm grabbing the reins
Holding the rope
Live and let live from now on
At last a free hand, no longer pre-planned
I got a will of my own

I go as I please, fend for myself
Pull all the stops, throw the dice
Out on my own, gonna go it alone
When I need it
Then I'll ask for advice

You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise
You don't have to be old to be wise


Lyrics submitted by Idan

You Don't Have to Be Old to Be Wise Lyrics as written by Kenneth Downing Glenn Raymond Tipton

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING

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You Don't Have To Be Old To Be Wise song meanings
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3 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment
    first true heavy metal album? please man, the album's great, but Stained Class wins that award. I think that that particular album defined Priest's image. and yeah, this song is so much of an anthem, that I was brave enough to use it in my SAT essay this year about listening to elders because of their knowledge, and I consider myself a bright kid with a strong, successful future, not a mediocre burger flipper.
    SolidShakeon May 18, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    This is the ultimate anthem for teens to give their parents. It's one of those "don't run my life" songs.
    2006200720082009on January 18, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    What the fuck is wrong with people? Seriously, there are now only 2 fucking comments on a song from what many consider to be the first true Heavy Metal album, not to mention one of the best. Anyway, you're right Aniland, this song is truly an anthem.
    Kasimir_Razeon February 10, 2009   Link

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