Craig Douglas - Only Sixteen Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote the song 'Only Sixteen'?

   'Only Sixteen' was originally written by Sam Cooke. Although initially credited to Barbara Campbell, a pseudonym for Cooke, Lou Adler, and Herb Alpert, the song was solely written by Sam Cooke.

2. What inspired Sam Cooke to write 'Only Sixteen'?

   Sam Cooke was inspired to write 'Only Sixteen' by the sixteenth birthday of Lou Rawls's stepsister, Eunice. The song reflects on the innocence and naiveté of young love, a theme prevalent in Cooke's work.

3. Was 'Only Sixteen' intended for another artist before Craig Douglas?

   Yes, 'Only Sixteen' was originally intended for actor Steve Rowland, who was associated with the Keen studio. However, Rowland's manager wasn't pleased with it, leading Cooke to re-record it for himself.

4. Did any other artists record their own version of 'Only Sixteen'?

   Yes, The Supremes recorded a version of 'Only Sixteen' for their tribute album 'We Remember Sam Cooke' in 1965. Later, it was released as an A-side single in Scandinavia, where it reached No. 3 in Sweden.

5. What themes does 'Only Sixteen' explore?

   'Only Sixteen' explores themes of young love, innocence, and youthful naiveté. The lyrics reflect on the narrator's realization of being too young to understand the depth of love, highlighting the fleeting and tender emotions of teenage years.

6. How did the song 'Only Sixteen' perform in the charts?

   The Supremes' version of 'Only Sixteen' reached No. 3 in the Swedish charts when it was released as an A-side single in Scandinavia in 1968. Craig Douglas's cover also gained significant popularity in the UK.