More than a decade after leaving behind her teen years and Disney role of Hannah Montana, and 10 years to the day since her “scandalous” foam finger gyrating during a performance with Robin Thicke on the MTV Video Music Awards, which aired on August 25, 2013, Miley Cyrus is reflecting on her personal transformation over the years on her new single “Used to Be Young.”
Videos by American Songwriter
The song, released on the digital reissue of her eighth album, Endless Summer Vacation, ruminates on being young, and livin’ fast and goin’ way too far. She acknowledges and accepts her younger days while saying goodbye to that former version of herself.
The truth is bulletproof, there’s no foolin’ you
I don’t dress the same
Me and who you say I was yesterday
Have gone our separate ways
Left my livin’ fast somewhere in the past
‘Cause that’s for chasin’ cars
Turns out open bars lead to broken hearts
And goin’ way too far
“These lyrics were written almost two years ago at the beginning of my ESV,” said Cyrus, elaborating on the song and sharing the lyrics in a social media post. “It was at a time I felt misunderstood. I have spent the last 18 months painting a sonic picture of my perspective to share with you. The time has arrived to release a song that I could perfect forever.”
She added, “Although my work is done, this song will continue to write itself every day. The fact it remains unfinished is a part of its beauty. That is my life at this moment, unfinished yet complete.”
“Messed Up” Days
Throughout the stripped-back pop ballad, Cyrus reflects on her past partying days, being crazy and messed up, but has no regrets as she’s gotten older.
I know I used to be crazy
Messed up, but, God, was it fun
I know I used to be wild
That’s ’cause I used to be young
Those wasted nights are not wasted
I remember every one
I know I used to be crazy
That’s ’cause I used to be young
You tell me time has done changed me
That’s fine, I’ve had a good run
I know I used to be crazy
That’s ’cause I used to be young
“This song is about honoring who we’ve been, loving who we are, and celebrating who we will become,” said Cyrus of the song in a statement. “I feel proud when reflecting on my past and optimistic when thinking about the future. I am grateful to my loyal fans who make my dreams a reality daily. I am sincerely thankful for the stability of your steadfast support. This song is for you.”
[RELATED: Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” Becomes Longest No. 1 on Adult Pop Airplay Chart]
The Video
In the video, directed by Jacob Bixenman and Brendan Walter, a tearful Cyrus walks into the camera scope on a darkened set wearing a Mickey Mouse T-shirt — a nod to her earlier Disney days — and a shimmering red bustier on top and singing through the emotional lyrics.
“It’s super emotional because I am kind of a mini-me of my mom and I could see her inside of the camera by using a technology where I could livestream with my mom from inside of the camera,” said Cyrus of the video. “So, we could see each other and as she was dancing it just made me cry, it made me laugh, it brought up so many real emotions and I think it’s really letting people into true emotion, which I don’t feel we get to see very much these days.”
Photo: Michael Esposito / Sony Music
