The phrase "My father told me when I was just a child" is prominently from the song "The Nights" by Avicii. In the song, it introduces the advice and life lessons the singer's father shared when the singer was young. The key message is about living a meaningful, memorable life rather than chasing material wealth, with the father encouraging to live fully and fearlessly, to "live a life you will remember," and that "these are the nights that never die." The father's words symbolize wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to embrace life actively and passionately.
If this phrase is used outside the context of the song, it can simply mean recalling guidance or teachings from one's father during childhood. The exact meaning often depends on what follows the phrase.
