Growin' Up (Demo Version - 1972)

Well, I stood stone-like at midnight
Suspended in my masquerade
I combed my hair 'til it was just right
And commanded the night brigade
I was open to pain and crossed by the rain
And I walked on a crooked crutch

Well, I strode all alone into a fallout zone
And came out with my soul untouched
I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd
When they said "sit down", I stood up
Oh, oh, growin' up

Well, the flag of piracy flew from my mast
My sails were set wing to wing
I had a jukebox graduate for first mate
She couldn't sail, but she sure could sing
I pushed B-52 and bombed 'em with the blues
With my gear set stubborn on standing

We broke all the rules and I strafed my old high school
Never once gave thought to landing
I stayed in the clouded warmth of the crowd
But when they said "come down" I threw up
Oh, oh, growin' up
Yeah

I took month-long vacations in the stratosphere
And you know it's really hard to hold your breath
I lost everything I ever loved or feared
I was the cosmic kid in full costume dress
Well, my feet, they finally took root in the earth

But I got me a nice little place in the stars
I swear I found the key to the universe
In the engine of an old parked car
I hid in the mothered breast of the crowd
But when they said "pull down", I pulled up
Oh, oh, growin' up