When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. Thank you very much ,I've been searching for these lyrics ,for the Houghton Weavers version of the song , they remind me of when I was a lad in the 1940's When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways.

I came across these lyrics at http://www.belfastforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=4049.154, while I was looking for information on When I Were a Lad. This one of those 97 Irish Pub Songs songs, but I suppose somebody might want it sometime. My Internet is crippled right now so I can't watch YouTube videos very easily, but there's a Liverpool version by John Dolan of this song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twleiBxzbG0. Before diving into the meaning of “When I Was A Lad,” it is important to understand the context in which the song was written. Gilbert and Sullivan were a dynamic duo, collaborating on numerous operettas in the late 19th century. They were known for their satirical portrayals of society, shedding light on the absurdities of human behavior and customs. The essence of the song lies in the irony and self-deprecating humor Captain Corcoran employs. Despite his exaggerated tales of bravery and ambition, it becomes evident that his rise through the ranks was more a result of fortunate circumstances than genuine skill. The song parodies the notion of heroism and underscores the whimsical nature of ambition and exaggerated stories.Despite the fact that all recordings of the song appear to be by Irish artists, I have a feeling that it might have been written by Mike Harding. I'm pretty sure I've heard him sing it anyway. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. This storytelling series comes from multiple Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and misanthrope Liam Williams. It is a cinematic retelling of his teenage misadventures in the Yorkshire suburbs. I saw Comedian tom O'Connor sing this at Butlins once, according to him the late actor Bill Owen of Compo fame wrote it. Anyone have the guitar chords to it? No, “When I Was A Lad” is not based on a true story. Gilbert and Sullivan were known for their fictional narratives that blurred the lines between reality and satire. The song serves as a comedic device, poking fun at the human tendency to embellish stories of the past. 3. What is the significance of the title, “When I Was A Lad?”

Many Liverpool people know the song as it was played regularly by Billy Butler on Radio Merseyside in the 80's., and apparently several acts have seen fit to change the lyrics to suit themselves ad hoc. I wonder if they need permission of the writer to do this kind of thing, as it is then presented as their work. Anyone else got information or ideas? When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child. When I became a man, I did away with childish things. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child.Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. While the lyrics are primarily humorous and satirical, some interpretations suggest a deeper commentary on the fleeting nature of youth and the compromises made in adulthood. The song challenges societal values placed on accomplishments and heroism, urging listeners to question the stories we tell ourselves and others. 5. How has “When I Was A Lad” influenced popular culture? Strong's 3516: From an obsolete particle ne- and epos; not speaking, i.e. An infant; figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian.Strong's 5426: (a) I think, (b) I think, judge, (c) I direct the mind to, seek for, (d) I observe, (e) I care for. When I was a child, I was speaking as a child, I was thinking as a child, I was reasoning as a child, and when I have become a man, I have made useless the things of the child; When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. I found this version on Spotify. Chords and lyrics (but with a few different words) can be found here, where it is called WHEN I WAS A LAD – BIRKENHEAD VERSION.