neilyoung
gil
Story behind the song
The concept of writing a song about childhood and the
freedom I had in mine has been on my mind. I see so many
children now so constantly watched and monitored and
scheduled that I grow concerned about my own.
This song idea came to me when I went to my son's
pre-school and watched the kids play in a fenced and
secure yard. Even then there were some parents following
their kids telling them what and what not to do.
I just stood back and watched my boy have fun.
I talked to another parent about how when I was a child
I had no fences and used to take off and ride my bike or
go fishing or hiking with friends. My parents always
trusted that I would come home OK. Looking back on it
I realize how lucky I was to have that freedom.
My son is learning about the solar system right now so
that's where I got the idea for "Light Years Away"
referencing time travel and speed of light.