Young Man, Older Woman

Album: Young Man, Older Woman (1991)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Millie Jackson has written many songs about the complexities of love, and this one takes on a relationship with a significant age difference. She told Songfacts: "One of the guys that drove the bus for me had a good voice, and I wanted to put him on my next album. But he was young. And I'm going, 'What in the world can I sing with this young guy?' I don't want to sound like a pervert. (laughing) So it was a matter of finding the right combination to make the song work. It couldn't be, 'I love you and you love me,' so it had to be something respectful."
  • Did Jackson anticipate the "Cougar" trend with this song? Not exactly. She says, "'Young Man, Older Woman' says 'we're denying feelings and emotions, but still we're falling in love.' That's not a cougar. A cougar is someone just looking for a young man to have sex with, goodnight, and see you tomorrow, maybe if I get hot again.' And that's not what 'Young Man, Older Woman' is about. 'Young Man, Older Woman' is about these two people seeing each other every day and denying they feel it. She's denying that she's feeling something for you, and vice versa. But still they're falling in love."
  • Jackson created and starred in a play based on this song. In addition to singing, Jackson has hosted a radio show on KKDA in Dallas and appeared on the TV show Martin.
  • Jolyon Skinner wrote the music for this song. Jackson writes lyrics, but usually has producers or other collaborators put together the music.

Comments: 1

  • Lisa Jane from Southport EnglandLove Millie's songs,esp Loving arms x
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.