“Because You’re Young” describes a relationship between 2 young people from an older, more cynical man’s perspective.
It is likely an allusion for Bowie’s contemporary attitude about young troublemakers, particularly those involved in the New Romantic fashion movements of the early 80s.
[Verse 1]
Psychodelicate girl - come out to play
Little metal faced-boy
Don't stay away
They're so war-torn and resigned
She can't talk anymore
What are they trying to prove?
What would they like to find?
[Pre-Chorus]
It's love back to front and no sides (like I say)
These pieces are broken (like I say)
These pieces are broken (hope I'm wrong but I know)
[Chorus]
Because you're young
You'll meet a stranger some night
Because you're young
What could be nicer for you
And it makes me sad
So I'll dance my life away
A million dreams, a million scars
[Verse 2]
He punishes hard
Was loving her such a crime?
She took back everything she said
Left him nearly out of his mind
They're people I know - people I love
They seem so unhappy - dead or alive
[Pre-Chorus]
It's love back to front and no sides (like I say)
These pieces are broken (like I say)
These pieces are broken (hope I'm wrong but I know)
[Chorus]
Because you're young
You'll meet a stranger some night
Because you're young
What could be nicer for you
And it'll make me sad
So I'll dance my life away
A million dreams, a million scars
[Outro]
A million dreams
A million scars
A million
Because You’re Young was written by David Bowie.
Because You’re Young was produced by Tony Visconti & David Bowie.
David Bowie released Because You’re Young on Fri Sep 12 1980.