For My Sunday Song #198, we are going with another deep cut and with a non-single song called “Just Older” off the band’s 2000 album called ‘Crush’. The album was kind of a comeback album for the band and the song “It’s My Life” brought the band back in to superstar status and whole new generation of folks got to know the band again and for the first time. However, it was songs like “Just Older” that made remember what a great write Jon was (with the help of Billy Falcon).
The song is pretty inspirational when you listen to those lyrics. It seems to be about two friends seeing each other again and reminiscing about old times, but the big difference is they have accepted the fact they are older and they have no regrets. The chorus really sums it up…
I like the bed I’m sleeping in
It’s just like me, it’s broken in
It’s not old – just older
Like a favorite pair of torn blue jeans
This skin I’m in it’s alright with me
It’s not old – just older
Being comfortable in your own skin is what it is really all about. When you are comfortable with who you are, you can appreciate everything around you. You can look back with no regrets and see all the positives. There is another line that hits home to and is also a throwback to another Bon Jovi hit…
I’ve kept my faith
Little lines like that make exploring their lyrics so much fun and what makes songs stick with you and stand out more than others. The little things to grab on to that feel like they are talking about you.
Musically, it is a simple uptempo song with a little pop, a little rock and a whole lot of heart. There is a familiarity the song, a comfort that makes it feel like home when you hear it. It fits with the lyrics like a comfy couch and gives you a warm feeling when you listen. It’s almost perfect.
Give the song a listen and let me know what you think. Do you find comfort in it like me? Whether you do or not, doesn’t matter, I just hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by and have a Happy Sunday!!
“Just Older”
Do you remember me?
When I hit the streets I was 17
A little wild, a little green
I’ve been up and down and in between
After all these years and miles of memories
I’m still chasing dreams
But I ain’t looking over my shoulder
[Chorus:]
I like the bed I’m sleeping in
It’s just like me, it’s broken in
It’s not old – just older
Like a favorite pair of torn blue jeans
This skin I’m in it’s alright with me
It’s not old – just older
It’s good to see your face
You ain’t no worse for wear
Breathing that California air
When we took on the world
When we were young and brave
We got secrets that we’ll take to the grave
And we’re standing here shoulder to shoulder
[Chorus:]
I like the bed I’m sleeping in
It’s just like me, it’s broken in
It’s not old – just older
Like a favorite pair of torn blue jeans
This skin I’m in it’s alright with me
It’s not old – just older
I’m not old enough to sing the blues
But I wore the holes in the soles of these shoes
You can roll the dice ’til they call your bluff
But you can’t win until you’re not afraid to lose
[Solo]
Well, I look in the mirror
I don’t hate what I see
There’s a few more lines staring back at me
Now the nights has grown a little bit colder
Hey man, I gotta run
Now you take care
If you see coach T. Tell him I’ve cut my hair
I’ve kept my faith
I still believe I’m just…
Ha
[Chorus:]
I like the bed I’m sleeping in
It’s just like me, it’s broken in
It’s not old – just older
Like a favorite pair of torn blue jeans
This skin I’m in it’s alright with me
It’s not old – just older
Good pick. I don’t go back to Crush much (or at all) but some great tracks on there. It suffered a bit cause it had to compete with the Maiden reunion album for my attention! Think they came out the same day or a week apart? Anyhoo, I think they did a good job of moving with the times on Crush. It sounded very current when it came out.
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I would agree that this one sounded current, my problem with this one is only that Jon got hungry for chart status as opposed to writing good songs and then ever album after this sort of sounded the same.
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Brave New World is a great record. I was glad to hear The Wicker Man played on the last tour. What an opening riff. Smith is the king of those quick riffs!
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Yeah he played a cool solo on that too. Ghost Of Navigators was a fave on that too.
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I still hear Bruce telling the crowd in when Adrian opened wiht that riff ‘Mr Smith comes to Vancouver” which I’m sure he said everywhere but what a cool track.
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I’m enjoying the spotlight on the lyrics in this series, John – admittedly, I never paid much attention to his lyrics, but he’s got some good ones. That broken in line especially here
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I’m glad you like it. I use this series to dive deeper in to the songs for both you and me. I don’t want to just throw the lyrics up, I want to inform and teach as well as make you think something. That is why I have done around 200 of these.
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I may have to be this one at some point. You make a good case for the Crush album John.
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Good choice, I feel this on a lot of days.
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Some days I actually feel old, most still feel young!!
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Great song. One of my favorites as well, purely for those Chorus lyrics.
This song resonated with me and i feel like it did with most of their 80s fan base. We were all just older.
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Older and better!
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Damn right. Lol
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