Not long ago, after more than forty years, Neil Young dusted off “My Boy” (originally written in 1983) to headline a benefit concert at Lakefield College School in Ontario. With only a banjo and harmonica for accompaniment, he crooned:
“Why are you growin’ up so fast / My boy? / Oh, you’d better take your time…”
Those lines aren’t just lyrics—they’re a father’s heartfelt plea, a bittersweet nod to time’s unstoppable march, and a gentle wish to pause life’s whirlwind. Neil has even called it “probably the most soulful recording I have ever made.”
When he brought it back to life, he told his audience:
“I was playing ‘My Boy,’ thinking about my own dad… My dad was a great guy and Zeke is a wonderful son.”
It’s a beautiful circle of love—honoring his father’s guidance, celebrating his son’s spirit, and sharing that vulnerability with all of us.
Zeke and Ben: Two Sons, Two Stories
Zeke Young, born in 1972 to Neil and actress Carrie Snodgress, faced the early challenges of mild cerebral palsy. Learning to walk and wear leg braces tested him, but it also deepened the bond between father and son through every step and milestone.
Ben Young, born in 1978 to Neil and Pegi Young, lived with a more severe form of cerebral palsy. His experiences inspired Neil and Pegi to establish The Bridge School, dedicated to helping children with complex communication needs find their voices.
How Fatherhood Changed Him
Neil has said, “Becoming a father to two children with special needs changed my priorities. I became much more involved in family… If I come up against something that’s hard to deal with, I can handle it.” Those words speak to how his children shaped not only his daily life but his entire creative outlook.
On the album Trans (1982), Neil experimented with vocoder-processed vocals—a bold artistic move born out of frustration and hope as he worked with Ben on early communication devices. That electronically tinged voice wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a bridge between father and son.
Earlier still, “New Mama” from Tonight’s the Night offered a sparse, tender lullaby written around the time Zeke was born. Its understated arrangement captures both the joy and the heartache of parenthood when life takes unexpected turns.
Why It Resonates
Neil Young’s career is celebrated for fearless shifts—whether it’s stripped-down folk, raucous Crazy Horse rock, or electronic experiments. Yet, his most affecting work often springs from the simplest, most personal moments: songs for his sons that lay bare time’s passage, the struggle to connect, and the unwavering love that binds parent to child.
When he sang “My Boy” again—now as a grandfather—he wasn’t merely performing an old tune. He was reaffirming a lifetime’s journey: reflecting on his own father’s legacy, safeguarding his children’s dignity, and embracing a love that shapes us and gives life its deepest meaning.
In Neil’s world, the technical becomes intimate, personal experiences become music, and that music becomes timeless. “My Boy” stands as more than a song—it is a testament to love’s sacrifices and rewards, a universal message for parents, children, and anyone touched by unconditional care.