About the Song
Ah, the late 1960s – a time of social upheaval and musical revolution. Yet, amidst the psychedelic rock and anti-war anthems, a sweeter melody emerged: “Young Girl” by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. Released in 1968, this song became an instant classic, capturing the innocent charm and internal struggles of young love.
Gary Puckett, with his soaring tenor and boyish good looks, led the Union Gap, a pop group known for their catchy tunes and polished harmonies. “Young Girl” perfectly embodied their sound. The instrumentation, courtesy of the legendary Wrecking Crew studio musicians, was crisp and clean, featuring a driving bassline, bright acoustic guitar, and a memorable keyboard melody. But it’s Puckett’s vocals that truly shine. He delivers the lyrics with a mix of earnestness and playful exasperation, perfectly capturing the bittersweet emotions of a young man smitten by a girl “too young” for him.
The song’s lyrics are simple yet effective. They paint a picture of a young man wrestling with his feelings for a girl who is both captivating and out of reach. He acknowledges the societal disapproval of his affections (“My love for you is way out of line”) but can’t help but be drawn to her innocence (“With all the charms of a woman, you’ve kept the secret of a child”). This internal conflict resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the all-consuming crush of young love.
“Young Girl” wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a cultural touchstone. It reached number one on the Cash Box charts and number two on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Gary Puckett & The Union Gap’s place in pop music history. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. Even decades later, it can evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, a time when love, even unrequited, could feel like the most important thing in the world.
Video
Lyrics: “Young Girl”
Young girl
Get out of my mind
My love for you is way out of line
Better run, girl
You’re much too young, girlWith 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 truthWhoa, 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, girlBeneath 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 eyesWhoa, 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, girlSo 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 farWhoa, 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, girlYoung girl
Get out of my mind
My love for you is way out of line
Better run, girl
You’re much too young, girlYoung girl
Get out of my mind
My love for you