About the song
“The Young Ones” by Cliff Richard and the Shadows is not just a song but a cultural phenomenon that captured the essence of youthful exuberance and rebellion in the early 1960s. Released as the title track for the 1961 film of the same name, the song swiftly ascended to the top of the UK Singles Chart in January 1962, making it a pivotal moment in British music history. Written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, the track’s infectious melody and spirited lyrics resonated deeply with the public, evident in its record-breaking sales and enduring popularity.
The song’s success was unprecedented, marking the first time a British single had topped the charts since Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now or Never” in 1960. “The Young Ones” held the coveted No. 1 position for six consecutive weeks and remained in the charts for an impressive 20 weeks. Its total sales figures speak volumes about its impact, with over 1.06 million copies sold in the UK alone and a staggering 2.6 million copies worldwide.
Musically, “The Young Ones” showcased Cliff Richard’s dynamic vocals complemented by the Shadows’ distinctive instrumental prowess. Hank Marvin’s lead guitar, Bruce Welch’s rhythm guitar, Jet Harris on bass guitar, and Tony Meehan on drums provided the perfect backdrop for Richard’s charismatic delivery. The orchestral arrangement by Norrie Paramor added depth and grandeur, enhancing the song’s cinematic quality that resonated both on screen and in listeners’ hearts.
Beyond its initial release, “The Young Ones” continued to be celebrated across generations. It featured prominently on the EP *Hits from the Young Ones*, further solidifying its status as a classic. Decades later, in the 1980s, the song found new life as the theme for the beloved alternative comedy sitcom *The Young Ones*, ensuring its legacy would endure far beyond its chart-topping days.
In 2023, the song underwent a poignant reworking as the lead single for the orchestral album *Cliff with Strings*, demonstrating its timeless appeal and adaptability across different musical genres and eras.
“The Young Ones” remains not only a chart-topping anthem but a cultural touchstone that encapsulates the spirit of youth, rebellion, and musical innovation that defined an era. Its legacy continues to resonate, cementing its place as a timeless classic in the pantheon of British music history.
For more about the era’s music, explore the List of number-one singles from the 1960s (UK).
Video
Lyrics
The young ones,
Darling we’re the young ones,
And young ones shouldn’t be afraid.To live, love
While the flame is strong,
For we won’t be the young ones very long.Tomorrow,
Why wait till tomorrow,
Tomorrow sometimes never comes.
Love, me,
There’s a song to be sung
And the best time is to sing while we’re young.Once in every lifetime
Comes a love like this.
I need you and you need me.
Oh my darling can’t you see.
Young dreams
Should be dreamed together,
Young hearts shouldn’t be afraid.
And some day when the years have flown
Darling, this will teach the young ones of our own.
The young ones
Darling, we’re the young ones
The young ones
Darling, we’re the young ones.