Stephen Wilson Jr. | "Year To Be Young 1994" | Western AF

[@mrmedicinal]

June 5th, 1994 I turned 18 and was invincible. July 22nd, 1994 the driver of an 18 wheeler ran a STOP sign and I crashed into it breaking my neck and becoming a quadriplegic, teaching me I was indeed, not invincible. Thank you for writing and singing such a great and meaningful song.

[@ryanmullins2103]

I had just started kindergarten. Still I remember that time and even the 2000’s easier less crazier times, I miss them.

[@jasonthompson1340]

Sorry that happened I am sending you love and light

[@mrmedicinal]

@@jasonthompson1340 thank you, I appreciate it.

[@KEEPYOURHEADUPHOCKEY-]

i crashed a atv in 2001 at 17. broke my neck in 2 places and a bunch of other bones. paralized my left arm and changed me forever. i guess what i wanted to say is we are alive.take care.

[@GazzaniSilva]

sorry mate

[@jimburkett9799]

That is songwriting at it’s peak. Droning guitar and perfectly laid vocals and melody. You don’t understand it now, but your kids will.

[@nosleeptilbrook108]

love the subtle Back to the Future reference.

[@Joshholtzclaw]

Exactly... true again, a year later

[@huesommabit]

This guy just time traveled me back to being a teenager. The 90’s were the best. Pager on vibrate and headphones listening to grunge. Incense and candles lit. Smoking on the roof and sneaking out while all were asleep. Shewwww buddy.

[@masongregory2]

HOLY SHIT HE MADE IT ON WESTERN AF HELL YEAH FINALLY GETTING THE CLOUT HE NEEDS

[@haydenburchfield126]

My words exactly!!!!

[@kellywilliams8002]

Meet my Wife:) In 1994:) I was invincible:) future so bright with shades:) 30-yrs ago and guess what 2024 is just as awesome:) right here right now:) great song thanks:)

[@everdash]

this has instantly become one of the top 10 greatest songs OF ALL TIME. of all time.

[@grimeybeast1465]

Totally agree. This is easily one of the most profound songs of the last 25 years. The first time I heard it I driving down the highway. 30 seconds in had to pull over.

[@Mindyradio1]

I graduated in 1994. This song hits so close to home. My time at the roller rink, hiding in my headphones, and when the songs were so much more.

[@theahj2360]

ditto. Class of '94 rulz.

[@A-10-MANN333]

Same❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@ofwoden]

This is the rare song that references Boyz II Men that isn’t a Boyz II Men song. What a great song.

[@cedarriver]

I love those kind of songs. Great job! Chords and lyrics below folks! You can play it in Standard tuning, I think his guitar his guitar is tuned about 4 half steps down. Be sure to not play the high e string in the chorus or it'll sound a bit off with the chords Verses C / C / C / C F / C / C / C / C F Chorus Dm Em F / Dm Em F / Am Em C F / C (+ / F in 2nd chorus) Bridge Am G / F / Am G F / C / C / F / C / C / F [Verse 1] I must admit I felt the flame Kurt Cobain, a Fender Mustang MTV brought me up "This is your brain on drugs" I won't forget that first girlfriend That got me into Boyz II Men I grew up a lot that year My sweatshirt said "No Fear", ha [Chorus] My life was a stereo and it was everything First one in line for the "Last Dance With Mary Jane" Hiding in my headphones, laying on the bedroom floor 1994 [Verse 2] Tell mom, "See ya later Don't be blowin' up my pager When the show's over, I'll come home When that is, I don't know" Teen spirit in the air Before we all owned cell phones Study hall, passing notes Yes, no or I don't care [Chorus] When my life was a stereo and it was everything Soundtrack, first kiss out at the roller rink Hands held, two hearts falling on a hardwood floor 1994 1994 [Post-Chorus] Think you know it all when you don't know any better Tell yourself you're gonna live forever Fire's burning and I'm still holding the torch From 1994 A year to be, hey, a year to be young A year to be, hey, a year to be young A year to be, hey, a year to be young A year to be, hey, a year to be young A year to be, hey, a year to be young [Chorus] When my life was a stereo Back when my life was a stereo Back when my life was a stereo and it was everything Soundtrack takes me back through all those memories Hiding in my headphones, laying on the bedroom floor It takes me back to the days when a song was worth so much more 1994 1994 1994

[@jeffcmo1957]

He sounds like Bruce Springsteen. Wow. This is great. I was 14 in 1994. The 90’s were pretty sweet.

[@DL-yc4pm]

We're about the same age, growing up 80's into early 90's was great. Sounds better than springsteen to me.

[@hobonickel840]

I'm hearing Springsteen covered by Steve Earle

[@dracolupus0217]

Damn bro, I was 6. There have been many times when I think to myself "I want to go back to the 90s"

[@1coopjsn]

@@DL-yc4pm I agree - I’m so happy to have grown up back then. It was a different world.

[@sherryedwards2155]

I said the same thing when I heard his voice at certain points in the song! Amazing

[@suhaibghazi7673]

"ITt takes me back to the days when a song was worth so much more. . .1994" . . .damn. That's a fugging line.

[@douglove2412]

Dude is really good. I was 41 in 1994, so I come from an older view of that time, thinking about my little kids and such. But music is always the common denominator, meaning so much to people decade but decade. Good stuff like this is timeless. When you hear and feel the truth, you keep coming back.

[@russneis11]

No fear sweatshirt. Got me

[@checkdasaus]

When i hear that song I become tears in my eyes, it brings me the feeling of the 90 back. I am 37 so I was young, but men, no smartphones... Everything was slower and the life was carefree

[@margoulin81]

This man came to earth with a mission ❤

[@WesternAF]

Amen

[@eddie68735]

Damn just rode an emotional roller coaster on that one ,, I was 20 and the world was mine

[@Duden627]

Holy smokes, you know when you're just listening through Western AF, creating a playlist, and all of sudden something incredible like this shows up? Thank you so much for your work, what a gem.

[@wlbh7123]

He is really a unique vocalist and musician. Timeless

[@rksdmf]

There’s an even better version

[@crimson5111]

i was 12.. this song made me cry. this dudes songs pull tears. legend in the making

[@farmerJohn421]

That's for sure!

[@justinkrietenstein2563]

He will be Legend

[@jamesmurray8668]

Jesus Christ. He’s ridiculously good.

[@alastairlang2457]

It's the greatest debut album in 20 years. Sublime. Gut wrenching. And the guitar.....Christ.

[@88BLLO]

That Native American "heh!"speaks so many volumes of the multiple levels this song crosses .

[@robbadams982]

Was a Sophomore in HS.... Orange Jubilee Mad Dog 20/20. Bud Ice and Zima's. Things sure have changed fast. Wish the cell phone thing never happened. (as i watch this video, on a phone)

[@andrewwright2037]

Bud Ice and zimas. I was telling someone a zima story the other day and we couldn’t even think if they still made them anymore. 90’s were better than the 80’s by a long shot

[@mickeyaltizer2329]

Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane. Beautiful song.

[@sovague5671]

I was 12 in 1994. Hell of privilege.

[@TheCoolbreeze67]

1994 Damn near killed me...this song brings chills

[@sheffieldlane5769]

The 90's killed everyone

[@HomeSteadingHomeVideo]

"Back when a song was worth so much more" You took me there! 😭 Thanks for sharing your song!

[@ralph_clay]

I like how "the devil" isn't capitalized. "he" doesn't deserve any credit. Great song!

[@douglasandreano7559]

When the show is over I'll come home when that is I don't know..

[@BillGoodman76]

Awesome. Class of 94 in the house.

[@janhoggart]

I hear a Springsteen vibe ... nice sound (voice & guitar)

[@dracolupus0217]

God damn! In 1994 I was six years old, and my brother was born. There are times when I find myself missing the 90's.

[@zacharytaylor3054]

This guy is the real deal. Beautiful music man.

[@JimGarlits]

Stephen transcends his influences. His lyrics are heart to heart gut wrenching first love infatuation technicolor vision quest magic. And his guitar work knits so closely to the words that it makes you stop breathing so you don’t miss a single note. An artist this good comes along once in a century. I hope he dominates for the next 25 years

[@WesternAF]

He rules

[@robbyatmaja6896]

The song is so honest. Shit... I'm holding tears everytime I hear this

[@EDMONSH]

Man… KZbin don’t miss!! I just learned about Stephen from watching Print Shop! This is true music.

[@philpayne5313]

"I won't forget" I personally wont forget walking in to the Bourban Theater in Lincoln Nebraska..... This guy..its familiar but it changes things. Its raw, heart felt but hard to explain. Lord it's good,

[@jessenelson2014]

The reference's to pagers and the roller rink sounds like my child hood. Born in 1984 so I was 10 in 1994

[@dylanmichael7875]

This just absolutely gutted me, man. That was fucking beautiful. I am a fan. Wow. Never heard a song that captured how I felt about growing up in the 90s.

[@MisterNobody-b5h]

1994 I was 11 years old. I had no idea who Kurt Cobain was honestly, I learned music by picking a cassette tape on a store shelf, and usually one I could afford from doing chores. My life then was riding a bike, carrying around a stick, and playing matchbox cars in the dirt on hill front of my grandparents house. RIP to all those gone the 80s and 90s were hell of a time to be a kid! or to be alive, I love today, but nothing matches 80s and 90s it was a totally different time to be alive.

[@roostershooter76]

Yeah. He’s carrying The Boss in his music. Not many can pull that off but he pulls it off perfectly.

[@Napoleon-Blownapart]

Got the Mellencamp / Earle thang goin' on, I dig.

[@Hallfamily9802]

This is the kind of music that resinates with everyone. Makes us all sit, and think, remember. Love this. Just a guitar and a song.

[@Steven-c3n3m]

Hi Stephen, I was like many others a huge fan of Kurt's Cobain's music and always will be. In the year 1994 I was 33. It was the year Grunge died with Kurt to some degree. It is worth the memories as your song takes us back to those days. I am hearing the influence of the Boss in your voice, but it is still you singing. I am wondering if you ever listened to his Album, " Nebraska" ? I have the 33. I am betting you have heard it ? We could never have enough exceptionally talented and special Musician's such as yourself. You are the best at writing what is relevant, thoughful, and real to and for our time in history. That is such a gift. Thank you so very much Stephen for your awesome Music !! ❤ Best wishes from Steven in America's Dairyland Wi. !

[@racewallmosquitoes]

The picking pattern, along w the tuning, feel like the passage of time, making it easier to get to '94

[@ryanbundy5273]

I was 14 living this song as life. Didn't have a pager was to poor 😢

[@gerbenh158]

I've heard this song in many different versions. But his voice cuts right through my soul, every time.

[@johnbagley1441]

I’m just blown away by this guy talented beyond words

[@lauratomas4388]

im desperate for him to say '1984' instead.....killer tune!

[@RishPanjeetJr]

This dude doesn’t miss. That record is majestic. I don’t even like most modern country.

[@travisbrown9267]

The next big name in music! Keep em coming Stephen ❤

[@randomryguy8453]

This guys a genius

[@robertoconde3551]

What a great song! I was entering HS in 1994. The grunge scene was awesome!

[@joshk8599]

Flawless tune. Long Live The 90s.

[@gradywright]

Was expecting to hear my childhood story sung when I clicked on this.

[@jonkerr2050]

I was a freshman in high school. This song hits home. Love it.

[@toplineCreator]

100% AUTHENTIC. SO Rare these days.

[@bangendedscoots7960]

Wow this was FANTASTIC! I found myself leaning closer and closer as he sang, talk about pulling you in!

[@FreeUrMindz]

This whole album is amazing!

[@arosnibo9712]

The 90s were wild. This song nails my teens. (Except the first kiss at the roller rink😅). I lived in a set of taped up headphones.

[@SheaRecordmetal]

Brings back memories. Nothing like listening your tapes and CDs . Music meant more back then when you held it in your hands. It’s a double edge sword, cause you can come across a song like this on youtube and listen when you want for free.

[@tylerogilvie2274]

He was so good at Under The Big Sky

[@mattw4065]

wow, using a pick with a classical guitar! That's a distinct tone, it works so well for this song

[@JazmineAwbrey-Nikk]

❤ was born in 1994 🎉

[@grizzly766]

I can rewind it and use 1984 and it still resonates. Thank Stephen.

[@christianbeck7375]

Thank you so much for bringing this to us, been listening to this song for a while and I love this more intimate version.

[@isaiahbasaldua924]

this is amazing reminds me of country rock from the 80's and 90's .Its definitely a special song this is really a great fusion of genre and such a great voice

[@BoneLocker]

Living legend

[@frinkfronk9198]

he has a touch of Springsteen but it's the perfect amount. I'm pretty sensitive to stuff being too derivative. this is beautifully original.

[@klaasweerstand6660]

Love the rawness

[@georgeavera8345]

this ol boy’s got it. god damn he’s good

[@chadlabelle1181]

That guitar sounds so good. Especially tuned down like that.must use heavy strings

[@CarolSmith-h7b]

Beaytiful

[@dannydavidson7078]

Very original this guy Maybe Bruce Springsteen would sing one of Mr. Wilson Jr's songs

[@DL-yc4pm]

My life will always be a stereo, I love this! Btw, that all apologies riff at the end is bad ass!!!

[@DL-yc4pm]

You have a great story telling ability... it has drawn me in to listen to this song dozens of times since this morning release 9/15/22.

[@jkeefe4208]

This song put tears in my eyes I guess it’s from being on the streets of Portland Oregon with all the sick boys this song brings me way back to when I was a kid thank you for putting this out

[@PhilDoughty]

Reminiscing songs performed with sincerity always tug on heart strings harder

[@88BLLO]

This is my favorite song

[@grahamg7305]

Masterclass

[@davidk5937]

Gives me some Cadillac Three vibes and I’m 100% for it. Hope to hear more from Stephen Williams Jr.

[@kereph6566]

2024 they tour together

[@algo6485]

Turned 16..alot of first-times that year..1994..

[@jgoblast2499]

I'm literally addicted to this song!

[@WhatTheHellFritz]

Thank you.

[@insmett1elf4]

incredible. Thank you!

[@VoxGothica]

This is what it would sound like if Springsteen had written Billy Corgan's 1979.

[@MrBobbystyles]

Kick ass all around .. can’t wait to play it again .

[@timsweeney9558]

Beautiful. I was in my mid 20s, and I think I probably stopped listening to grunge that year. Losing Kurt was a tough one.

[@jackiejohnson8612]

My my my love this

[@carolh4950]

Looking forward to your live performance in Bloomington. Love your music.

[@shawnsrepairs9514]

Eric church and Springsteen mixed is the vibe I'm getting. I like it.

[@Claythargic]

Wow. This is great.

[@tonysizzle8574]

Merle Haggard’s album “1994” is where I’m headin’ next.

[@jackryan444]

As a 1994 kid. I miss much of this… but I could have picked a worse year to arrive.

[@josephdestito7997]

i love this song

[@luvmalynn]

Significant year indeed 🤍

[@travismiller9841]

Damn this guy is great!

[@jesseappleseedOG]

Yesssssss

[@oscarhernandez-rx8tf]

Perfection ❤️

[@niteowl9491]

lovely

[@michaelzoeller9552]

Reminds me of something Steve Earle would have sung in his early days (there's even a 'hup' at 2:15!), this is a great song. Also a bit JCM circa American Fool or earlier.