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GROWIN' UP

Tracks version

Well I stood stonelike at midnight suspended in my masquerade
I combed my hair till 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
I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd but when they said "sit down" I stood up.
Ooh... growin' up

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 'em with the blues with my gear set stubborn on standing
We broke all the rules, I strafed my old high school and never once gave thought to landing
I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd but when they said "come down" I threw up
Ooh... growin' up

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
I swear I found the key to the universe in the engine of an old parked car
I hid in the mother breast of the crowd but when they said "pull down" I pulled up
Ooh... growin' up

This is the version that was included on Tracks, slightly different from the album's version. It was recorded on 03 May 1972 at the CBS Studios, New York City. Check also the live version and the alternative version.

Almost anthemic in its call for rebellion (as highlighted by Bruce telling stories of his past, see the excellent example on the Live 1975-85 set), this Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ track is also suited to an acoustic performance, note the version that appears on Tracks. It shows that, like BORN IN THE USA, it is a song that can show its mettle when backed by a band AND acoustically. Indeed a track that has universal qualities.

Available on:

  1. Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ (track 2)*
  2. Live 1975-85 (disc 1- track 7)**
  3. Tracks (disc 1- track 3)*
  4. 18 Tracks (track 1)*

* Album's version.
** Live version.