Peak
2
Weeks
15
Score
3,514
Chart Year
1968
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This song was written and produced by Jerry Fuller, who also wrote "Lady Willpower" and "Over You" for the group as well as "Traveling Man" for Ricky Nelson. It was a warning to a would-be lover of an underage girl of the consequences of him not being able to resist her charms. This was one of four Top 10 singles from Gary Puckett & the Union Gap in the US in 1968. They sold more singles in the US than The Beatles that year. Gary Puckett spent his childhood in Hibbing, Minnesota, the same town that was home to the young Bob Zimmerman, who later changed his name to Bob Dylan. The band wore American Civil War uniforms and gave themselves military ranks, from General Puckett down to Privates Whitbread (the drummer) and Withem (the keyboardist). This was to tie in with the fact that they had taken their name from the site of a famous Civil War battle. Jerry Fuller explained the inspiration for "Young Girl" in 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh: "I was on the road a lot as an artist, fronting various groups for many years. I guess every entertainer goes through a time when 14-year-olds look like 20-year-olds. That's somewhat of an inspiration not from my own experience, just knowing that it happens."
Young girl, get out of my mind My love for you is way out of line Better run, girl You're much too young, girl With all the charms of a woman You've kept the secret of your youth You led me to believe You're old enough To give me love And now it hurts to know the truth, oh oh oh Young girl, get out of my mind My love for you is way out of line Better run, girl You're much too young, girl Beneath your perfume and make-up You're just a baby in disguise And though you know That it is wrong to be Alone with me That come on look is in your eyes, oh oh oh Young girl, get out of my mind My love for you is way out of line Better run, girl You're much too young, girl So hurry home to your mama I'm sure she wonders where you are Get out of here Before I have the time To change my mind 'Cause I'm afraid we'll go too far, oh oh oh Young girl, get out of my mind My love for you is way out of line Better run, girl You're much too young, girl Young girl, get out of my mind My love for you is way out of line Better run, girl You're much too young, girl
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 2, 1968 | 87 | 39 |
| 2 | Mar 9, 1968 | 52 | 74 |
| 3 | Mar 16, 1968 | 24 | 102 |
| 4 | Mar 23, 1968 | 12 | 114 |
| 5 | Mar 30, 1968 | 7 | 119 |
| 6 | Apr 6, 1968 | 2 | 124 |
| 7 | Apr 13, 1968 | 2 | 124 |
| 8 | Apr 20, 1968 | 2 | 124 |
| 9 | Apr 27, 1968 | 3 | 123 |
| 10 | May 4, 1968 | 3 | 123 |
| 11 | May 11, 1968 | 3 | 123 |
| 12 | May 18, 1968 | 9 | 117 |
| 13 | May 25, 1968 | 13 | 113 |
| 14 | Jun 1, 1968 | 17 | 109 |
| 15 | Jun 8, 1968 | 36 | 90 |