18 and Life

Skid Row

About 18 and Life

"18 and Life" is a song by American heavy metal band Skid Row. It was released in June 1989 as the second single from their self titled debut album. The song is the band's biggest hit, reaching No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 11 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It was named the 60th best hard rock song of all time by VH1. It was certified Gold on September 13, 1989, when it sold 500,000 copies. The song also charted at No. 12 on the UK Singles chart. In April 2015, a newly re-recorded version with their new singer Tony Harnell was released as a free download on the band's website which is the only studio recording the band has released to feature Harnell on vocals.  


Year:
1991
3:49
939 
#1

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Ricky was a young boy
He had a heart of stone
Lived nine to five and worked his fingers to the bone

Just barely out of school
Came from the edge of town
Fought like a switchblade so no one could take him down

He had no money, oh
No good at home
He walked the streets a soldier
And he fought the world alone and now it's

Eighteen and life you got it
Eighteen and life you know
Your crime is time and it's
Eighteen and life to go
Eighteen and life you got it
Eighteen and life you know
Your crime is time and it's
Eighteen and life to go

Tequila in his heartbeat
His veins burned gasoline
It kept his motor runnin'
But he never kept it clean

They say he loved adventure
Ricky's the wild one
He married trouble
Had a courtship with a gun

Bang, bang, shoot 'em up
The party never ends
You can't think of dying when the bottle's your best friend
And now it's

Eighteen and life you got it
Eighteen and life you know
Your crime is time and it's
Eighteen and life to go
Eighteen and life you got it
Eighteen and life you know
Your crime is time and it's
Eighteen and life to go

Accidents will happen
They all heard Ricky say
He fired his six-shot to the wind
That child blew a child away

Eighteen and life you got it
Eighteen and life you know
Your crime is time and it's 
Eighteen and life to go
Eighteen and life you got it
Eighteen and life you know
Your crime is time and it's
Eighteen and life to go, yeah
Oh oh

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Skid Row

Skid Row is an American heavy metal band formed in 1986. They gained fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with their powerful vocals and hard-hitting songs. The band's self-titled debut album was a commercial success, and their most popular songs include "18 and Life" and "I Remember You." more »

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Written by: RACHEL BOLAN SOUTHWORTH, DAVID MICHAEL SABO

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Song Origins
"18 and Life" is a song written by Skid Row, an American rock band that was widely popular during the late 80s and early 90s.
Chart Success
The song reached number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 11 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in 1989.
Album Inclusion
It appears on Skid Row's self-titled debut album, released in 1989.
Song Theme
The song is about a troubled adolescence and the consequences of reckless actions during youth.
True Story
According to the band members, "18 and Life" was inspired by a true story of a teenager who accidentally killed his friend with a gun he thought was not loaded, resulting in his prison sentence.
Song Authors
It was written by band members Rachel Bolan and Dave "The Snake" Sabo.
Critically Acclaimed
The song was highly praised by critics for its melodic sound and powerful lyrics, setting it apart from much of the glam metal music of the time.
Mainstream Appeal
"18 and Life" helped establish Skid Row as a successful band in the mainstream music scene.
Band Lineup
The band lineup for this song was Sebastian Bach on vocals, Dave "The Snake" Sabo and Scotti Hill on guitars, Rachel Bolan on bass and Rob Affuso on drums.
Certification
The song earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying sales of over half a million copies in the United States.
Song Length
"18 and Life" runs for a duration of three minutes and fifty-one seconds (3:51) on the album.
Music Video
The music video was equally famous for its narrative that closely resembled the lyrics of the song, adding visual depth to the story told in the lyrics.
Cover Versions
It has since been covered by many artists, including Asking Alexandria and Bulletboys, illustrating its enduring popularity.
In Pop Culture
"18 and Life" has appeared in various movies, TV shows, and video games, such as Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s.

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    18 and Life

    24.6M
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1989

    Billboard #4


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