Growing Pains
Tony Bennett & Count Basie Lyrics


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One day your mama drops the hem of your skirt
Next day you give up yelling what's for dessert
You can't explain it but you're one solid hurt
Baby, you've got growing pains

Your Christmas penny doesn't look half so bright
Papa's not president since maybe tonight
When you're not quite so sure that Mom's always right
Baby, you've got growing pains
Nothing's wrong, just growing pains
And they'll never hurt too long

When there are cobwebs in dreams that you weave
When there's no magic in the words 'Make believe'
When doubt comes peeping out and tugs at your sleeve
Baby, you've got growing pains

When you come home from school and don't slam the door
Ride down the banisters or slide 'cross the floor
When you don't cry for every toy in the store
Baby, you've got growing pains




They're not bad, just growing pains
You'll be awfully glad you had

Overall Meaning

Growing pains are a part of every person's life, a manifestation of the physical and emotional changes one undergoes as one grows into adulthood. Tony Bennett and Count Basie's "Growing Pains" explores this transformative process with a nostalgic tenderness, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of leaving one's childhood behind while looking forward to new experiences and worldviews.


The first verse sets the scene for the song, with the shifting hem of a skirt representing the physical changes that occur during adolescence. The juxtaposition of yelling about dessert one day and being unable to articulate one's emotions the next highlights the confused and tumultuous nature of growing up. There's a feeling of isolation in lines like "You can't explain it but you're one solid hurt," as though the experience is something one has to endure on their own.


The second verse addresses the more abstract changes that come with time, like losing faith in the magic of childhood dreams and questioning authority figures. Even the penny that once brought joy loses its luster as one grows older, and the comforting presence of a parent can be disrupted by the realization that they're not infallible. But the song ultimately takes an optimistic view of growing pains, suggesting that they're a necessary part of becoming the person you're meant to be. "They're not bad, just growing pains," the lyrics reassure, and the final line expresses gratitude for the hardships that led to personal growth: "You'll be awfully glad you had."


Line by Line Meaning

One day your mama drops the hem of your skirt
You start to grow up and realize that your clothes, which your mother used to handle, are no longer her responsibility alone.


Next day you give up yelling what's for dessert
You come to accept that you cannot always have what you want or crave, and become more self-reliant in satisfying your own cravings.


You can't explain it but you're one solid hurt
As you grow, you experience changes both physically and emotionally that you cannot always explain or understand right away, which can be painful and difficult to cope with.


Baby, you've got growing pains
These pains, while unpleasant, are a normal part of growing up and maturing into adulthood.


Your Christmas penny doesn't look half so bright
As you get older, things that were once exciting or special, like a penny given to you on Christmas, no longer hold the same appeal or significance.


Papa's not president since maybe tonight
You begin to realize that your parents, who you once saw as all-knowing and infallible, have their own flaws and uncertainties, which can be unsettling.


When you're not quite so sure that Mom's always right
You start to form your own opinions and challenge what you were previously taught or told, which may cause feelings of confusion or doubt.


Nothing's wrong, just growing pains
Despite the uncomfortable nature of these changes, there is nothing inherently wrong or abnormal about experiencing them.


And they'll never hurt too long
While it may be painful or unpleasant in the moment, these growing pains are temporary and will eventually pass.


When there are cobwebs in dreams that you weave
As you mature, you may find that some of your dreams or aspirations no longer seem as clear or achievable as they once did, leaving you feeling lost or uncertain.


When there's no magic in the words 'Make believe'
You start to recognize that many things in life are not as simple or fantastical as they once seemed, and that there are limits to your own imagination and creativity.


When doubt comes peeping out and tugs at your sleeve
Uncertainty and questioning become a more frequent part of your thinking, leading to moments of self-doubt or insecurity.


When you come home from school and don't slam the door
You begin to act more maturely and considerately towards others, recognizing that your actions and behavior can affect those around you in more significant ways.


Ride down the banisters or slide 'cross the floor
Childlike and carefree behavior, such as playing and running around the house, becomes less important or interesting as you start to prioritize other things in your life.


When you don't cry for every toy in the store
You become less materialistic and consumer-driven, realizing that possessions and material goods cannot bring true happiness or fulfillment.


They're not bad, just growing pains
Again, it is important to remember that these changes, although sometimes uncomfortable or challenging, are a normal part of growing up and should not be seen as inherently negative or harmful.


You'll be awfully glad you had
In fact, once these growing pains subside, you will likely feel grateful for the lessons and experiences that helped shape you into the person you are today.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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