The Bluebells, a Scottish pop band formed in Glasgow in the early 1980s, are best known for their jangly guitar sound and melodic, heartfelt songwriting that placed them firmly within the indie pop and new wave scenes of the decade. Led by songwriter Robert Hodgens (aka Bobby Bluebell), the group achieved their greatest success with the singles “Young At Heart,” “I’m Falling,” and “Cath,” which highlighted their knack for crafting catchy, emotionally resonant pop. Although their initial run was relatively brief, The Bluebells left a lasting mark on the UK music scene, particularly when “Young At Heart” was reissued in 1993 and unexpectedly topped the UK Singles Chart, nearly a decade after its original release.
Celebrated for their warm, melodic style and enduring appeal, The Bluebells remain an important part of Scotland’s rich pop heritage.
The Bluebells’ “Young At Heart” is a timeless slice of ’80s pop that perfectly captures the spirit of youthful optimism. Originally released in 1984 and later reissued in 1993, when it topped the UK Singles Chart, the song combines jangly guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and an uplifting melody that still feels fresh decades later.
Its singalong chorus and warm, nostalgic feel made it an enduring anthem, appealing to both its original audience and new generations who discovered it through the re-release. “Young At Heart” remains The Bluebells’ signature hit, a reminder of the simple joy and lasting charm of great pop songwriting.
The song peaked at No. 08 in the UK Singles Chart on 28th July 1984.
| A-Side | Young At Heart (3:24) (Robert Hodgens, Siobhan Fahey, Bobby Valentino) Produced By Colin Fairley, Robert Hodgens |
| B-Side | Tender Mercy (3:54) (Robert Hodgens) Produced By The Bluebells & Robert Henry |
| Genre | Pop, Indie, Folk |
| Release Date | June 1984 |
| Label | LONDON |
| Catalogue Number | LON 49 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 30th June 1984 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 08 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 09 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [9 Weeks] – 30th June 1984 – 25th August 1984 |
Officially Released Versions
Young At Heart (Single Version) (3:24)
Young At Heart (Extended Version) (5:28)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
Young at heart
Young at heart
Young at heart
Yet what a start
Old before their time
They married young
For love at last
Was their only crime
How come I love them now ?
How come I love them more ?
Young at heart
You’re so young at heart
Young at heart
Yet not a chance
To be a child at all
They told us tales
They told us lies
Don’t they know
The shouldn’t have told us at all
How come I love them now ?
How come I love them more ?
When all I wanted to do when I was old
Was to walk out the door
Young at heart
You’re so young at heart
Young at heart
You’re so young at heart
How come I love them now ?
How come I love them more ?
How come I love them now ?
How come I love them more ?
How come I love them now ?
How come I love them more ?
When all I wanted to do when I was old
Was to walk out the door
Young at heart
You’re so young at heart
Young at heart
You’re so young at heart
Young at heart
You’re so young at heart
Written By Robert Hodgens, Siobhan Fahey, Bobby Valentino
