Does the title of this post mean anything to you? If so, chances are you’re a Boomer.

The Who put out the song “My Generation” 49 years ago this week. It was an instant hit and became a classic–so you may know it even if you’re Generation X or a Millennial, as long as you’re a fan of hard rock.

But if you’re a Boomer, you remember the guitar chords, the sarcastic vocals, and the taunting phrase “Hope I die before I get old.” (Keith Moon did.)

If you’re much older, or younger, the entire story may be irrelevant to you. Just like the deaths of Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain, Biggie Smalls, and Amy Winehouse are distant facts to me.

When you’re writing, don’t assume that your target audience will pick up the same references that you do. Or you may just be talking to your generation.