18 and Life, is the second single from Skid Row's 1989 eponymous debut album. The band's first power ballad single, it was written by bandmates Rachel Bolan and Dave 'Snake' Sabo, after reading in a local newspaper about an 18-year-old boy who shot his friend by accident. He thought the gun wasn't loaded, and eventually ended up in prison for life. This song achieved a great success and was MTV's most played video in 1989. I remember listening to this song when I just began to venture into the world of Rock music, many years ago... This is a tribute to all those people that have tried to help those with troubled souls. It's not easy, it's not nice, but it needs to be done. Remember, be careful, for you do not want to become the person in question. You have your whole life ahead of you... don't mess it up! (less info)