Songfacts®:

• Here, Ellie Goulding reminisces about her youth as a rebellious teenager.
  
  Do you remember the teacher said
  You're too young, too stupid, don't lose your head
  But years gone and we held on with the best intent
  Just two kids who kicked it on MSN
  
  Goulding had a close friend with whom she shared this exciting time in her life. She now looks back fondly at that hopeful and carefree time.
• Goulding explained in a press release: "That age was such a pivotal year for me in many ways and this song is so close to my heart. It takes me back to the reckless days of being a teenager and I hope it reminds us all about the innocence of youth."
• Sixteen has been seen as a pivotal year by a number of other singers. Other artists that have recorded songs about being 16 include Dolly Parton, The Replacements and Ringo Starr.
• Ellie Goulding wrote the song with:
  
  South Londoner Raye, whose other songwriting credits include UK Top 40 singles for Snakehips ("Don't Leave") and Charli XCX ("After the Afterparty"). Raye also had her own hit with "Decline" in 2017.
  
  Engineer Joe Kearns, whose other Goulding credits include co-producing her Delirium track "Scream It Out" and the 2019 song "Flux."
  
  English producer Fred Gibson, whose resumé also includes UK Top 10 hits for Rita Ora ("Let You Love Me"), Clean Bandit ("Solo") and Jax Jones (Breathe").
  
  Fred Gibson also produced "Sixteen" along with American producer Ian Kirkpatrick (Britney Spears, Julia Michaels) and Mike Wise.