Young Turks

Rod Stewart

About Young Turks

"Young Turks" is a song by Rod Stewart that first appeared in 1981 on his album Tonight I'm Yours. The track presented Stewart backed by a new synth-pop and new wave sound. The term young Turk, which originates from the early 20th-century secular nationalist reform party of the same name, is slang for a rebellious youth who acts contrary to what is deemed normal by society. The phrase "Young Turks" is never heard in the actual song, the chorus instead centering on the phrase "young hearts be free tonight", leading to the song frequently being misidentified as "Young Hearts" or "Young Hearts Be Free". The music for the song was composed by Carmine Appice, Duane Hitchings, and Kevin Savigar, with lyrics written by Stewart. The song, which was released as the first US single (second in the UK) from Tonight I'm Yours, was produced with synthesizers and a hi-hat played over a drum machine. On the Billboard Hot 100, "Young Turks" debuted at no. 61 on 17 October 1981 and peaked at no. 5 on 19 December 1981 – 9 January 1982. The song peaked at no. 11 on the UK Singles Chart and also was a top 5 hit in Australia, Belgium, Israel (no. 1) and Canada. Released a few months after MTV went on the air, it was the first video containing breakdancing to be played by that station. 


Year:
1981
5:03
251 
#3

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Billy left his home with a dollar in his pocket and a head full of dreams.
He said somehow, some way, it's gotta get better than this.
Patti packed her bags, left a note for her momma, she was just seventeen,
There were tears in her eyes when she kissed her little sister goodbye.

They held each other tight as they drove on through the night they were so excited.
We got just one shot of life, let's take it while we're still not afraid.
Because life is so brief and time is a thief when you're undecided.
And like a fistful of sand, it can slip right through your hands.

Young hearts be free tonight. Time is on your side,
Don't let them put you down, don't let 'em push you around,
Don't let 'em ever change your point of view.

Paradise was closed so they headed for the coast in a blissful manner.
They took a two room apartment that was jumping ev'ry night of the week.
Happiness was found in each other's arms as expected, yeah
Billy pierced his ears, drove a pickup like a lunatic, ooh!

Young hearts be free tonight.Time is on your side,
Don't let them put you down, don't let 'em push you around,
Don't let 'em ever change your point of view.

Young hearts be free tonight.
Time is on your side.

Billy wrote a letter back home to Patti's parents tryin' to explain.
He said we're both real sorry that it had to turn out this way.
But there ain't no point in talking when there's nobody list'ning so we just ran away
Patti gave birth to a ten pound baby boy, yeah!

Young hearts be free tonight, time is on your side.
Young hearts be free tonight, time is on your side.
Young hearts be free tonight, time in on your side.

Young hearts gotta run free, be free, live free
Time is on, time is on your side
Time, time, time, time is on your side
Is on your side
Is on your side
Is on your side
Young heart be free tonight
Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, yeah

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Rod Stewart

Roderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE (born 10 January 1945) is a British singer-songwriter, born and raised in North London, England, and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry. With his distinctive raspy singing voice, Stewart came to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s with The Jeff Beck Group and then Faces. He launched his solo career in 1969 with his debut album An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down (US: The Rod Stewart Album). His work with The Jeff Beck Group and Faces influenced heavy metal genres. more »

14 fans

Written by: Rod Stewart, Duane Hitchings, Kevin Savigar, Carmine Appice Jr

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release and Popularity
"Young Turks" was released by Rod Stewart in 1981. It was one of the tracks in his album called "Tonight I'm Yours". The song is also popularly known as "Young Hearts Be Free Tonight", which is the song's chorus.
Chart Performance
On the US Billboard Hot 100, "Young Turks" secured the 5th position. In Australia, the song secured the 11th position, and in Canada, its rank was the 10th. All these rankings were based on year-end charts in 1982.
Music and Lyrics
The lyrics of the "Young Turks" were penned down by Stewart, Duane Hitchings, Carmine Appice, and Kevin Savigar. The song tells the story of a young couple named Billy and Patti who decide to run away to be together, despite opposition from their parents.
Innovative Music Video
The music video for "Young Turks" is noted for being one of the first to prominently feature break dancing. The music video was aired on MTV, making Rod Stewart one of the older performers to embrace the new medium of music video.
Synth-Driven
The song is recognized for its strong, catchy synthesizer melody, representing a departure from Stewart's earlier, more rock 'n' roll and folksy sound. This was a product of the 80s where pop music was being heavily influenced by electronic and synth sounds.
Cover Versions
"Young Turks" has been covered by several artists, demonstrating its enduring popularity and influence. Notable covers include versions by indie rock band Pelle Carlberg and British soul and pop band Simply Red.
Cultural Impact
The phrase "young turks," used in the song title, is originally used to describe a group of people involved in a political or social movement for reform. However, with Rod Stewart's song, it took on a more general meaning, referring to young people who are rebellious and energetic.
Live Performances
"Young Turks" is a staple in Stewart's live performances. It has been included in various concert tours and live albums over the years since its release.
Liaison with Movies
The song has been used in several film soundtracks adding a layer of influence to the pop culture. Most notably, it was featured in the 2009 film "Adventureland".
Notable Lyrics
The song has a famous line, "Young hearts be free tonight. Time is on your side," which is often cited and referenced, even though it is not the actual song title.

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    Young Turks

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1982

    Billboard #5


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