[Verse 1]
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 strolled all alone through a fallout zone
And came out with my soul untouched

[Chorus]
I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd
But when they said, "Sit down," I stood up
Ooh, ooh, growin' up

[Verse 2]
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 them 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 landin'

[Chorus]
I stood in the clouded warmth of the crowd
But when they said, "Come down," I threw up
Ooh, ooh, growin' up (Yeah)
[Verse 3]
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
And I swear I found the key to the universe
In the engine of an old parked car

[Chorus]
I hid in the mother breast of the crowd
But when they said, "Pull down," I pulled up
Ooh, ooh, growin' up