"When I Was Young" is a song released in March 1967 by Eric Burdon and the Animals; it was written by five of the band members – Eric Burdon (vocals), Barry Jenkins (drums), John Weider (guitar/violin), Vic Briggs (guitar), and Danny McCulloch (bass) – and was the first release to feature this lineup.
This somewhat autobiographical song tells about Burdon's father, who was a soldier during tough times, as well as young Eric's adventures - including his first cigarette at 10, to his meeting his first love at 13.
The final verse shows his disillusionment with society: "My faith was so much stronger then, I believed in fellow men, And I was so much older then.
The group recorded "When I Was Young" in December 1966 at Barnes studio in London, with Tom Wilson in the producer's seat.
"[2] Cash Box called the single a "strong, gutsy, reflective Blues effort with a particularly interesting instrumental backing.