Young Man's Game

Album: Hendra (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Ben Watt, who is the male half of Everything But the Girl, has been an established presence on London's Deep House circuit as a DJ since 1998. This song finds him coming reluctantly to terms with the fact that, at 51, he's become a bit too long in the tooth to spin club tunes all night long. He explained to The Hollywood Reporter: "The dance floor never seems to age, but you do. It's never difficult to party one last time, it's the recovery that's hard."

    "At times, I was playing three different countries over one weekend and I didn't want to fake it anymore," he continued. "It was a more honorable, graceful thing to withdraw. Even if I thought I had something left to offer musically, I couldn't give of myself completely because I wasn't enjoying the experience as much as I used to."

    "Ironically, when I played the song to (producer) Ewan (Pearson), he's 10 years younger than me and he recognized himself in it," Watt added. "If he's feeling that way, imagine how I feel."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

When Rock Belonged To Michelob

When Rock Belonged To MichelobSong Writing

Michelob commercials generated hits for Eric Clapton, Genesis and Steve Winwood in the '80s, even as some of these rockers were fighting alcoholism.

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.