I Wish I Was Eighteen Again


"I Wish I Was Eighteen Again" is a song written by Sonny Throckmorton in 1979.

Jerry Lee Lewis version

Jerry Lee Lewis 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 [Hot Hot Country Songs|Country Songs|Country] chart, peaking at number 18.

George Burns version

A year later, comedian-actor George Burns covered the song for his 1980 album of the same title. The song was also featured in the 1988 film 18 Again!, 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 and Country charts. Despite being his only entry to both charts, it did better than Lewis' version in the Country chart, peaking at number 15.