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

I strolled all alone through a fallout zone and come 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 them with the blues with my gear set stubborn on standing

I broke all the rules, strafed my old high school, 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 swear 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

I hid in the mother breast of the crowd, but when they said, "pull down," I pulled up

Ooh... growin' up

Ooh... growin' up