I Just did a web search and found a couple of links which tie in to what people have posted earlier in the thread. When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways.

Fans of Gilbert and Sullivan have embraced “When I Was A Lad” for its clever lyrics, catchy tune, and the way it encapsulates the duo’s signature wit. The song captures the essence of their brand of musical theater, leaving a lasting impression on audiences due to its humor and relatability.When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. But when I became an adult, I set aside childish ways. 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 used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 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 set aside childish ways.

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?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. Strong's 3516: From an obsolete particle ne- and epos; not speaking, i.e. An infant; figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become an adult, I have put away 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 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