"I Wish I Was Eighteen Again" is a song written by

Sonny Throckmorton James Fron "Sonny" Throckmorton (born April 2, 1941) is an American country music songwriter. He has had more than 1,000 of his songs recorded by various country singers. He has also had minor success as a recording artist, having released two ...

in 1979.

Jerry Lee Lewis version

Jerry Lee Lewis Jerry Lee Lewis (September 29, 1935October 28, 2022) was an American pianist, singer, and songwriter. Nicknamed "The Killer", he was described as "rock 'n' roll's first great wild man". A pioneer of rock and roll and rockabilly music, Lewis m ...

originally recorded the song for his self-titled album in 1979. It was released as the B-side of "Rockin' My Life Away". The song was a top-20 hit on the ''Billboard''

Country A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation, or other political entity. When referring to a specific polity, the term "country" may refer to a sovereign state, state with limited recognition, constituent country, ...

chart, peaking at number 18.

Chart performance

George Burns version

A year later, comedian-actor

George Burns George Burns (born Nathan Birnbaum; January 20, 1896March 9, 1996) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and singer, and one of the few entertainers whose career successfully spanned vaudeville, radio, film, and television. His arched eyeb ...

covered the song for his 1980 album of the same title. The song was also featured in the 1988 film ''

18 Again! ''18 Again!'' is a 1988 American fantasy-comedy film directed by Paul Flaherty and starring George Burns and Charlie Schlatter. The plot involves a college student switching souls with his grandfather by means of an accident. The film is base ...

'', in which Burns starred. Burns' cover slightly missed the top 40 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, peaking at number 49. However, it was a top-40 hit on the

Easy Listening Easy listening (including mood music) is a popular music genre and radio format that was most popular during the 1950s to the 1970s. It is related to middle of the road (MOR) music and encompasses instrumental recordings of standards, hit s ...

and

charts. Despite being his only entry to both charts, it did better than Lewis' version in the Country chart, peaking at number 15.

Chart performance

References

{{authority control Songs written by Sonny Throckmorton 1979 songs 1979 singles Jerry Lee Lewis songs Elektra Records singles 1980 singles Mercury Records singles George Burns songs Songs about teenagers