She’s back! Miley Cyrus has released more music in 2023, and this time it’s a track with a deeper meaning. The “Flowers” singer announced her new single “Used to Be Young” in August 2023.
“These lyrics were written almost two years ago at the beginning of my ESV,” Miley shared via Instagram ahead of the song’s release. “It was at a time I felt misunderstood. I have spent the last 18 months painting a sonic picture of my perspective to share with you.”
Keep reading for lyrics, details about the song’s meaning and more.
Is Miley Cyrus Releasing ‘Used to Be Young’ as a Single?
“Used To Be Young” dropped on Friday, August 25. Miley announced the single just one week prior to the musical drop, releasing a trailer where the former Hannah Montana actress walked towards the camera while wearing a shirt with a Disney logo.
“This song is dedicated to my loyal fans. I love YOU for loving every version of ME. Always, Miley,” she wrote via Instagram at the time.
Miley first hinted about the upcoming single during her British Vogue cover in June 2023. She spoke about a time when a songwriter approached her with a club-thumping party song that Miley no longer thought was her musical style.
“It was like, you know, the standard f–ked up in the club track. And I was like, ‘I’m two years sober. That’s not where I spend my time, you know. You’re more likely to catch me and my friends literally walking through rose gardens or going to a museum,” she explained. “It’s not about being self-serious. I’m just evolved.”
The experience led her to write another song, acknowledging her past self. The former Disney star revealed four lines of lyrics from the mystery track in that interview. “I know I used to be crazy, I know I used to be fun. You say I used to be wild, I say I used to be young.”
Eagled-eyed fans stared to speculate that Miley was releasing “Used to be Young” when she announced the forthcoming 10th-anniversary vinyl edition of her 2013 album Bangerz — set to drop on September 29. On her website, there’s was very interesting sentence, reading, “Reflect back on when Miley Used To Be Young by revisiting the beloved original hits such as ‘Wrecking Ball,’ ‘We Can’t Stop,’ and ‘Adore You,'” it reads. As the “Used To Be Young” is in all caps, fans theorized that it was a hint.
What Is Miley Cyrus’ ‘Used to Be Young’ About?
The track is an ode to her younger self, as Miley reminisces on her days of partying and being “crazy.”
“I don’t dress the same, me and who you say I was yesterday have gone our separate ways. Left my livin’ fast somewhere in the past,” she sings in the first verse, before singing in the last chorus: “I know I used to be crazy, messed up, but, God, was it fun. I know I used to be wild. That’s ’cause I used to be young. Those wasted nights are not wasted, I remember every one.”
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