Growin' Up
The Sessions Band/Bruce Springsteen Lyrics

I stood stone-like at midnight, suspended in my masquerade
I was immobilized by the illusion I was living in and didn't know what to do

I combed my hair till it was just right and commanded the night brigade
I tried to control my life by manipulating my external appearance and actions, and others followed my lead

I was open to pain and crossed by the rain and I walked on a crooked crutch
I was vulnerable to hurt and experienced setbacks, but I kept moving forward on an unstable foundation

I strolled all alone through a fallout zone and come out with my soul untouched
I ventured into dangerous territory alone and emerged unharmed, but it left a lasting impact on me

I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd, but when they said, "Sit down," I stood up
I withdrew from the masses and their anger, but when they demanded compliance, I rebelled

The flag of piracy flew from my mast, my sails were set wing to wing
I embraced a wild, adventurous lifestyle and was ready for anything

I had a jukebox graduate for first mate, she couldn't sail but she sure could sing
My companion was musically talented but not helpful in other ways

I pushed b-52 and bombed them with the blues with my gear set stubborn on standing
I created loud, soulful music and refused to compromise my beliefs

I broke all the rules, strafed my old high school, never once gave thought to landing
I rebelled against authority, attacked my alma mater, and didn't care about the consequences

I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd, but when they said, "Come down," I threw up
I escaped from the masses and their fury, but when they called me back, I felt nauseous

I took month-long vacations in the stratosphere, and you know it's really hard to hold your breath
I escaped reality for long periods of time, but it was difficult to maintain for too long

I swear I lost everything I ever loved or feared, I was the cosmic kid in full costume dress
I felt like I lost everything important to me, and I was a fantastical, strange figure

Well, my feet they finally took root in the earth, but I got me a nice little place in the stars
I eventually became grounded in reality, but I still had a fanciful imagination

And I swear I found the key to the universe in the engine of an old parked car
I had a profound realization about existence while examining the workings of a simple machine

I hid in the mother breast of the crowd, but when they said, "Pull down," I pulled up
I relied on the comfort and safety of the masses, but when they demanded I conform, I resisted

Ooh...growin' up
These experiences were all part of my coming-of-age journey and I learned from them