Growing Up
Springsteen often wrote of his experiences growing up and frequently mentioned characters who may have been part of his youth. On some occasions he has admitted that some of the material is auto-biographical and that people and places mentioned actually did exist. He frequently has addressed problems that he had in various schools he attended, especially the Catholic school which he eventually left. Some of his early lyrics are noticeably laced with appear to be "anti-religious" or "anti-Catholic" sentiments. In later years, performances of these particular songs find him slurring the lyrics in an almost unrecognizable fashion. (as he also does with the "wolfmen fairies" line) He frequently described himself as an outcast or misfit in the school environment. His fascination with his image, his music and his cars has been a common thread throughout his career. Other noticeable threads include New Jersey, New York City, cops, gangs and street life.CLICK TO PLAY SONG
Well I stood stone-like 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
When they said sit down, I stood up
Ohhhhhh....growing up
Well the flag of piracy flew from my mast
My sails were set wing to wing
I had a jukeboxgraduate 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, and I strafed my old high school
Never once gave thought to landing
I stood in the clouded warmth of the crowd
When they said come down, I threw up
Ohhhhhhh....growing 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-costumed 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 mothered breast of the crowd
But when they said pull down I pulled up
Ohhhhhh......growing up
