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Song Stories

“Young Blood”

The Coasters | 1957

Doc Pomus gave a demo of his song to fellow songwriter Mike Stoller, thinking it might make a good A side for the Coasters. A few months later, Pomus heard "Young Blood" blaring out of a jukebox, though he hardly recognized it: Stoller and writing partner Jerry Leiber had adapted it to better suit the top of the charts. "I guess you must’ve heard it," said Atlantic's Jerry Wexler, answering the call from Pomus. "It's a smash." And at just the right time--Pomus was down to his last dime. The first of many hits, "Young Blood" pointed to Doc Pomus' bright future in the songwriting biz.

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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