Lyrically, "Young" is a meditation on the pressures of growing up in the public eye. Smith explores the double standards faced by young celebrities: the expectation to be a role model while still being allowed to make the "stupid" mistakes that define youth.
: There is a palpable sense of weariness. It’s not a "fame is hard" song in a superficial way; it’s a genuine look at the fear of losing one's innocence to the scrutiny of the world. The Verdict Sam Smith – Young
"Young" is a bold choice for an album opener. It’s short, unconventional, and lacks a radio-friendly hook, but it succeeds by being . It acts as a bridge, inviting the listener into Smith’s private world before the more soul-infused, bluesy tracks of the album take over. Lyrically, "Young" is a meditation on the pressures
"The opening track 'Young' is a stunning, multi-tracked vocal piece that sets the mood for the rest of the album's themes of self-reflection." It’s not a "fame is hard" song in
: The song captures the anxiety of being judged for living a normal, messy life. Lines like "Give me a chance to be young" serve as a poignant reminder that underneath the global superstardom is a person still trying to figure themselves out.