About the song
“Young Girl” by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap is a classic pop song that resonated deeply with audiences when it was released in 1968. Written by Jerry Fuller, the song became one of the band’s most successful hits, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing its place in the annals of popular music history. Gary Puckett’s powerful and emotive vocal delivery, coupled with the Union Gap’s polished instrumentation, helped make “Young Girl” an enduring favorite.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a young woman who is growing up too fast, catching the attention of a man who realizes she is not as mature as she appears. The man, aware of the inappropriateness of their relationship, urges her to leave before anything happens that they might regret. The theme of temptation and the moral dilemma faced by the protagonist are central to the song’s narrative. This storyline, combined with Puckett’s intense vocal performance, creates a sense of urgency and drama that captivated listeners.
Musically, “Young Girl” is a prime example of the lush, orchestral pop sound that was popular in the late 1960s. The arrangement features sweeping strings and a strong, steady rhythm section that provides a rich backdrop for Puckett’s voice. The Union Gap, known for their distinctive Civil War-era uniforms and their blend of pop and rock, brought a level of sophistication to their performances that set them apart from many of their contemporaries.
The success of “Young Girl” was not limited to the United States. The song also topped the charts in the United Kingdom, where it enjoyed similar popularity. Its appeal lay in its ability to tap into the emotional complexities of adolescence and the universal themes of love, desire, and responsibility.
Over the years, “Young Girl” has been covered by various artists, further cementing its place in pop culture. Its lasting popularity is a testament to the strength of its composition, the skill of the musicians, and the timeless nature of its subject matter. For many, the song remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when pop music was both innocent and introspective, capturing the spirit of an era while addressing themes that are still relevant today.
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Lyrics
Young girl
Get out of my mind
My love for you is way out of line
Better run, girl
You’re much too young, girl
With all the charms of a woman
You’ve kept the secret of your youth
You led me to believe you’re old enough
To give me love
And now it hurts to know the truth
Woah, oh, oh
Young girl
Get out of my mind
My love for you is way out of line
You’d better run, girl
You’re much too young, girl
Beneath your perfume and make-up
You’re just a baby in disguise
And though you know
That it’s wrong to be
Alone with me
That ‘come on’ look is in your eyes
Woah, oh, oh
Young girl
Get out of my mind
My love for you is way out of line
Better run, girl
You’re much too young, girl
So hurry home to your mama
I’m sure she wonders where you are
Get out of here
Before I have the time
To change my mind
‘Cause I’m afraid we’ll go too far
Woah, oh, oh
Young girl
Get out of my mind
My love for you is way out of line
You’d better run, girl
You’re much too young, girl
Young girl
Get out of my mind
My love for you is way out of line
You’d better run, girl
You’re much too young, girl
Young girl
Get out of my mind