I’ll create a blog post about the Journey song “Only the Young” following the specified guidelines. I’ll use web search to gather some contextual information first. Based on the search results, I’ll craft the blog post about Journey’s “Only the Young” following the specified guidelines:
In the fall of 1984, a song was about to change the trajectory of Journey’s career in ways no one could have anticipated. “Only the Young” emerged as more than just another rock anthem, becoming a powerful testament to youth, hope, and the unexpected ways music can touch human lives. The track, written by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon, would become intimately connected with a deeply moving story that would forever alter the band’s perspective.
The Genesis of a Meaningful Melody
The song was originally intended for Journey’s 1983 Frontiers album but was unexpectedly pulled from the final track listing. Initially, the band members disagreed about the song’s place in their repertoire, with some band members voting against its inclusion. Jonathan Cain was particularly passionate about the track, feeling it had a unique message that needed to be heard.
An Unexpected Connection
What transformed “Only the Young” from a potential forgotten track to a profoundly meaningful piece of music was a chance encounter with Kenny Sykaluk, a 16-year-old fan battling cystic fibrosis. The Make-A-Wish Foundation facilitated a meeting between Journey and Kenny, who was in the final stages of his illness.
The band brought several gifts to Kenny’s hospital room, including: - A Walkman with an exclusive recording of “Only the Young” - An autographed Journey platinum record - A football helmet signed by the San Francisco 49ers
A Moment of Musical Inspiration
Steve Perry recalled the moment vividly, describing how Kenny’s eyes “got huge” when he first heard the unreleased track. The emotional impact was immediate and overwhelming. After leaving Kenny’s hospital room, Perry was so moved that nurses had to take him to a separate room to compose himself.
The Lasting Impact
Tragically, Kenny passed away shortly after the band’s visit, with the Walkman still in his hand. This profound experience deeply affected the band members, particularly Neal Schon, who said the encounter made them re-evaluate the internal conflicts that had been causing friction within the group.
Musical Legacy
“Only the Young” was eventually released on the Vision Quest soundtrack in February 1985, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band honored Kenny’s memory by opening every concert on their Raised on Radio Tour with this song.
The Song’s Deeper Meaning
The lyrics speak to the unique perspective of youth:
Only the young can say They’re free to fly away Sharing the same desires Burning like wildfire
These words capture a universal sentiment about the hope, freedom, and potential inherent in youth, made even more poignant by the story of Kenny Sykaluk.
🎵 Note: The song became more than just a musical track - it became a powerful reminder of life's fragility and the importance of human connection.
The journey of “Only the Young” demonstrates how a seemingly simple song can transcend its original purpose, becoming a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of music to touch human hearts.
Who wrote “Only the Young”?
+The song was written by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon of Journey.
When was “Only the Young” released?
+The song was released in February 1985 as part of the Vision Quest soundtrack.
What makes “Only the Young” special?
+The song is deeply connected to the story of Kenny Sykaluk, a young fan with cystic fibrosis, and became a powerful reminder of youth, hope, and human connection.