When You Were Young by The Killers is a song about nostalgia, longing, and the passage of time. It explores the romanticized ideal of youth and the harsh realities of growing up. The song reflects on the dreams and aspirations that people hold in their youth and how those often change or fade as they grow older. Key themes include youthful idealism, disillusionment with the adult world, and the contrast between fantasy and reality. Particularly poignant moments in the song involve reflections on missed opportunities and the recognition that life doesn't always turn out as one had hoped when they were young.