In a remarkably candid and introspective new interview, global pop sensation Miley Cyrus has pulled back the curtain on the deeply personal grief and public turmoil that fuelled her powerful hit, 'Used To Be Young'.
The singer-songwriter, who recently scored her first UK number one with the track 'Flowers', explained that the ballad serves as a direct address to her legion of fans and critics who have watched her grow up in the spotlight.
A Public Apology And Personal Reflection
Cyrus revealed the song's poignant lyrics are a form of public apology, but also a defiant act of self-acceptance. "It's not an apology," she clarified, "It's saying, I know what you said about me. I know you think I've been a mess... but you don't know the truth. You weren't there."
The track, which soared to the top of the Billboard charts, is her raw response to the years of intense media scrutiny over her personal life and career evolution, from her Disney Channel origins to her more rebellious artistic phases.
Channeling Grief Into Art
The emotional core of the song is rooted in profound loss. Cyrus shared that she began writing it shortly after the devastating passing of her grandmother, Loretta Finley, and her beloved dog, Mary Jane.
This period of immense personal grief coincided with the end of her marriage to Liam Hemsworth, creating a perfect storm of sorrow that she channeled directly into her music. The lyrics, "I know I used to be crazy / I know I used to be fun", are a direct acknowledgment of the persona the public thought they knew.
Reclaiming Her Own Narrative
Ultimately, 'Used To Be Young' is Miley Cyrus's powerful act of reclaiming her own story. It’s a message to the world that she owns her past, every single part of it, and refuses to be shamed for her journey.
The song stands as a testament to her resilience and growth, transforming pain into a poignant anthem that has connected with millions of listeners worldwide, proving her enduring power as one of music's most authentic voices.
