Growin' Up
Bruce Springsteen with the Sessions Band Lyrics

I stood stone-like at midnight, suspended in my masquerade
I felt stuck and lost, pretending to be someone I'm not

I combed my hair till it was just right and commanded the night brigade
I put on a tough exterior to try and control my surroundings

I was open to pain and crossed by the rain and I walked on a crooked crutch
I was vulnerable to hurt and had to limp through life's challenges

I strolled all alone through a fallout zone and come out with my soul untouched
I endured personal struggles and emerged with my inner self still intact

I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd, but when they said, "Sit down," I stood up
I wanted to blend in with the crowd, but eventually found the courage to stand up for myself

The flag of piracy flew from my mast, my sails were set wing to wing
I rebelled against societal norms and charted my own course

I had a jukebox graduate for first mate, she couldn't sail but she sure could sing
I chose unconventional partners, valuing talent and shared interests over practicality

I pushed Be-52 and bombed them with the blues with my gear set stubborn on standing
I pursued my passions with unwavering determination, unapologetically expressing myself

I broke all the rules, strafed my old high school, never once gave thought to landing
I took risks and challenged authority, even if it meant disregarding the consequences

I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd, but when they said, "Come down," I threw up
I continued to second-guess myself, but pushed myself outside of my comfort zone

I took month-long vacations in the stratosphere, and you know it's really hard to hold your breath
I sought out escapism from reality, but found it difficult to detach entirely

I swear I lost everything I ever loved or feared, I was the cosmic kid in full costume dress
I experienced deep loss and struggled to find my place in the world

Well, my feet they finally took root in the earth, but I got me a nice little place in the stars
I found stability but never lost my sense of imagination and wonder

And I swear I found the key to the universe in the engine of an old parked car
I discovered profound meaning in unexpected places

I hid in the mother breast of the crowd, but when they said, "Pull down," I pulled up
I continued to struggle with feeling like an outsider, but learned to embrace my uniqueness

Ooh...growin' up
The repeated refrain emphasizes the ongoing process of personal growth, change, and discovery