You Don't Have to Be Old to Be Wise

Album: British Steel (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Frontman and lyricist Rob Halford explained to Billboard magazine: "Even in my 30s I was a teenager under the skin in terms of rebellion. I'd had enough of being programmed and told what to do. It's a spinoff from the attitude of Breaking the Law."

    Guitarist K.K. Downing added: "It was basically us sticking it in the eye of everybody that thought, 'You're stupid if you're young and have long hair.' I think everybody was glad to sing that along with us - everybody that was under the age of 30, at least."
  • Halford and K.K. Downing wrote this song with Priest's other guitarist, Glenn Tipton. They recorded it at Ringo Starr's estate, Tittenhurst Park, which was previously owned by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The sessions were smooth and the group was peaking creatively. Their producer, Tom Allom, had them record live together instead of putting down each track separately - this was the first time they worked this way.

Comments: 1

  • Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcThis song has a true message.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Janis Ian

Janis IanSongwriter Interviews

One of the first successful female singer-songwriters, Janis had her first hit in 1967 at age 15.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.