When you are 18
You're a man who is ready
Who is strong and who's steady
You know what I mean

When you are 18
Then you should be respected
And you don't need protectin'
When you are 18

When you are 18
You are braver and bolder
Than that crowd who are older
You know who I mean

'Cause when you are 18
With all those years to prepare you
There's nothing can scare you
When you are 18

I'm ready to travel, to follow my star
To the places I've been dreaming of
I'm ready for living, I'm ready for life
And I know that I'm ready for love

But when you are 18
They say love's complicated
And so overrated
You know what I mean

When you are 18
They say "Wait!" and "Don't worry."
And "Hey what's your hurry?"
'Cause you're only 18

I'm ready to travel, to follow my star
To the places I've been dreaming of
I'm ready for living, I'm ready for life
And I know that I'm ready for love

When you are 18
With the world all around you
It can sometimes astound you
You know what I mean

Just how little they know
Hah! All those cowboys and chancers
I've got more of the answers
And I'm only 18