Grow Up
Danielson Lyrics


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I do whatever it is I wanna do.
You can't tell me.
You're not my mommy.
Don't even try to be.
Back off now.
The real world's cruel.
I'm sending you back to school.
My counselor
She says I gotta grow up now.
(Whatever that means.)

Oh what am I gonna be
When I grow up?
Will I recognize me?

The Seed sprouts + it grows all by
All by itself.
But how we don't know.

Got a show coming
Up at the Rocking Stone, so be there.
Been known to judge
Back when it was cool to be sloppy at school.
It's easier
To ask forgiveness than permission, dear.
Our parents they
Never had time for no friends.

And my social life's gone
And I'm mowing my lawn.
When I should be up on that stage
With the glitz + my rage.

Oh what am I gonna be
When I grow up?
Will I recognize me?

The Seed sprouts + it grows all by
All by itself.
But how we don't know.

Unless I become like a little child
I will never act like the son that has won.
And the child grew and became strong
Agreements made
The trumpets sounding off and on.

Remove every branch
With no fruit in its hands.




Then prune all the rest.
Give me the best. Please?

Overall Meaning

The Danielson song Grow Up is a reflection on the struggle of finding identity and purpose in the growth process. The opening lines declare the singer’s independence: “I do whatever it is I wanna do. You can’t tell me. You’re not my mommy. Don’t even try to be. Back off now.” The singer is confident in their ability to make their own choices and resents any attempted outside control. However, the following lines hint at the fear that lies underneath the bravado as the singer recognizes their need for guidance: “The real world’s cruel. I’m sending you back to school. My counselor, she says I gotta grow up now. (Whatever that means.)” The counsel of the counselor leaves the singer with questions of what growing up entails and what their future will hold. This causes a sense of uncertainty and fear for the future.


The chorus “Oh what am I gonna be when I grow up? Will I recognize me?” further explores the anxiety around growth and identity. The image of the seed that grows by itself alludes to the mystery of personal growth- it happens without direct intervention, and yet the mystery of how it happens remains. The singer declares that unless they become like a child, they won’t act like a son that has won, possibly referring to the biblical idea that one must become like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven.


The later lines reference a show at the Rocking Stone, with a sense of urgency that warrants attendance. The singer mentions having been a judge in the past, but that it is now cool to be sloppy at school. Additionally, it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission; a line that speaks to the theme of independence and defiance that seems to be present throughout much of the song. The song closes with a plea for the best potential outcome from growth, with imagery of pruning and striving for excellence: “Remove every branch with no fruit in its hands. Then prune all the rest. Give me the best. Please?”


Line by Line Meaning

I do whatever it is I wanna do.
I am independent and will make my own choices without seeking anyone's approval.


You can't tell me.
I am not open to being influenced or controlled by others.


You're not my mommy.
I do not require anyone to provide me with guidance or care in my life.


Don't even try to be.
I do not need or want someone to take on a parental role in my life.


Back off now.
I am demanding personal space and privacy.


The real world's cruel.
I believe that the world is a harsh and unforgiving place.


I'm sending you back to school.
I am expressing my superiority and instructing you to improve yourself.


My counselor
Someone who provides guidance or counsel to me regarding my personal or professional life.


She says I gotta grow up now.
I have been advised to mature and behave in a more responsible, mature manner.


(Whatever that means.)
I am unsure how to interpret or apply the advice offered to me by my counsellor.


Oh what am I gonna be When I grow up?
I am expressing uncertainty or anxiety regarding my future and what type of person I will become.


Will I recognize me?
I am questioning whether or not I will maintain my identity as I mature and change.


The Seed sprouts + it grows all by All by itself.
The natural processes of growth and development will occur without intervention or outside help.


But how we don't know.
The methods behind natural growth are mysterious and difficult to comprehend completely.


Got a show coming Up at the Rocking Stone, so be there.
I am promoting an upcoming musical performance at the Rocking Stone venue and inviting others to attend.


Been known to judge Back when it was cool to be sloppy at school.
I have been critical of others in the past when they did not conform to social norms or trends.


It's easier To ask forgiveness than permission, dear.
I find it less cumbersome to seek forgiveness after engaging in an action than to obtain prior approval or consent.


Our parents they Never had time for no friends.
My parents were not able to engage in social activities or develop friendships due to various circumstances in their lives.


And my social life's gone And I'm mowing my lawn.
I have lost my social life and find myself completing mundane tasks at home instead of engaging with others.


When I should be up on that stage With the glitz + my rage.
I regret not pursuing a more exciting and glamorous lifestyle, such as performing on stage and expressing my passions with fervor.


Unless I become like a little child I will never act like the son that has won.
I need to adopt the carefree and unassuming perspective of a child in order to truly achieve success or victory in life.


And the child grew and became strong Agreements made The trumpets sounding off and on.
After achieving a state of childlike innocence and growth, I am ready to make deals or agreements and celebrate with fanfare.


Remove every branch With no fruit in its hands.
I will purge any aspects of my life that do not lead to productivity or fulfillment.


Then prune all the rest. Give me the best. Please?
After eliminating negative influences, I desire only the best aspects of life and request them humbly from others.




Contributed by Hunter D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Matthew Butler

As always I am no less than amazed! SOO excited to get this album!

plimsoul89

Amazing song and video -- I just bought tix to see 'em play in SF in April, an am incredibly stoked! :)

Carcamano

this guy's music shines through me!

Rocky Bergen

Still as amazing as ever!

Eric Duncan

My God, I love Danielson!

Eric Duncan

I couldn't agree more! I need a new cd! No one cares about them though, i've been a fan for many years

Eric Duncan

btw that's amazing that you live so close, i'm jelly! I always dreamed of seeing that Trying Hartz trailer and stopping them! lol

thediscopimpernell

Keep on going Dan!

shmagmar

So good!

camwebtips

Oh Danielson.. you are the best!!

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