My Back Pages
by The Byrds

Crimson flames tied through my ears,
Rollin' high and mighty trapped.
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,
I'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 flanks of musketeers foundationed deep, somehow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
In a soldiers' stance I aimed my hand,
At the mongrel dogs who teach.
Fearing not I'd become my enemy,
in the instant that I preach.
existence led by confusion boats,
mutiny from stern to bow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.

(Interlude)

Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
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.
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