When I Was Young

Crimson flames tied through my ears

Rollin' high and mighty traps

Pounced with fire on flaming roads

Using ideas as my maps

"we'll meet on edges, soon," said i

Proud 'neath heated brow.

Ah, but i was so much older then,

'm younger than that now.

Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth

"rip down all hate," i screamed

Lies that life is black and white

Spoke from my skull. i dreamed

Romantic facts of musketeers

Foundationed deep, somehow.

Ah, but i was so much older then,

I'm younger than that now.

In a soldier's stance, i aimed my hand

At the mongrel dogs who teach

Fearing not that i'd become my enemy

In the instant that i preach

My existence led by confusion boats

Mutiny from stern to bow.

Ah, but i was so much older then,

I'm younger than that now.

Ah, but i was so much older then,

I'm younger than that now.

Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats

Too noble to neglect

Deceived me into thinking

I had something to protect

Good and bad, i define these terms

Quite clear, no doubt, somehow.

Ah, but i was so much older then,

I'm younger than that now.

Ah, but i was so much older then,

I'm younger than that now.

Ah, but i was so much older then,

my back pages

I'm younger than that now.