About the song
“Too Young to Be Married” by The Hollies is a poignant and socially reflective ballad that stands out in the band’s illustrious catalog. Released in March 1971 as part of their album “Confessions of the Mind,” this heartfelt song captures a deeply emotional narrative while addressing a topic that resonates universally: the challenges of youthful relationships and the societal pressures surrounding marriage and family life.
The song, written by the band’s lead guitarist Tony Hicks, deviates from the upbeat, harmony-driven pop-rock sound that The Hollies were widely known for. Instead, it adopts a more introspective tone, delivering a message that is both tender and thought-provoking. “Too Young to Be Married” tells the story of a young couple facing the reality of unplanned parenthood and the responsibilities that come with it. The lyrics are simple yet profound, painting a vivid picture of their struggles: from youthful innocence to the harsh demands of adulthood. The refrain “They were too young to be married” echoes as a bittersweet observation, filled with empathy rather than judgment.
Musically, the song is understated yet powerful. It opens with an acoustic guitar melody that is both gentle and melancholic, setting the tone for the poignant story that unfolds. The arrangement builds gradually, featuring lush string sections and harmonized vocals that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics. Unlike many of The Hollies’ earlier hits, such as “Bus Stop” or “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” this track opts for subtlety, allowing the story to take center stage. The lack of a traditional chorus makes the song feel more like a narrative set to music, further emphasizing its storytelling nature.
“Too Young to Be Married” holds a special place in The Hollies’ discography, particularly in regions like Australia and New Zealand, where it became a massive hit despite not being released as a single in the UK or US. In Australia, it reached number one on the charts, resonating deeply with listeners who connected to its relatable themes and emotional depth.
Socially, the song addresses issues that were particularly relevant in the early 1970s, a time when societal expectations around marriage and family were undergoing significant shifts. While it reflects the challenges of a specific era, its themes of love, responsibility, and resilience remain timeless. The story it tells is not confined to a single generation but speaks to anyone who has faced the complexities of balancing youthful dreams with adult realities.
Decades later, “Too Young to Be Married” continues to be appreciated for its heartfelt message and beautiful arrangement. It showcases The Hollies’ versatility as artists, proving their ability to move beyond infectious pop hooks to create music that is deeply meaningful and enduring.
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Lyrics
She wakes up early every morningShe get up long before the sunshineGreets the milkman who’s still yawningAnd reads the paper for a short timeCalls the kids “get out of bed”They never hear a word she saysHusband stands to leave the tableShe says “i hope you have a good day”He thinks “one day soon as i’m ableI’ll get a job where i get good pay.”They find it hard to make ends meetBut they don’t mention it because they have each otherAn love is free while they’re supposed to be …Too young to be marriedToo young to be freeToo young to be marriedBut what could they do, they were going to have a babyAfter the kids have had their breakfastNow they’re off to get some schoolingShe cleans the house and makes the bedsShe starts to dreams but knows she’s foolingShe swears one day she’ll stay in bedBut for now she knows she’s got to keep on working”cause round and round inside her headShe hears the words her mother said …Too young to be marriedToo young to be freeToo young to be marriedBut what could they do?