James wrote this song to tell a story of a young person who feels out of place in school and wants to pursue their dreams but, society says they are too young to do so. This song basically says, follow your dreams no matter what the circumstances
[Verse 1]
Every now and then, I wonder why I spend
Time following the crowd
They say time is valuable, so we spend it in school
'cause they tell us that's how
You build your career like we're the ones who steer
But I'm wasting my days
I'd rather get a head start and listen to my heart
But I'm afraid of change
[Pre-Chorus]
And I know I'm not the only one
Who feels like they're not where they belong
Waiting to make the world my stage
But I can't because of my age
It's time to put the books away
[Chorus]
I don't wanna stay in school, 'cause I'd be better off
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
No, I don't wanna stay in school, 'cause I'd be better off
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
[Verse 2]
Oh, and if I stay, what difference will it make?
It's a shame degrees don't take a couple days
All the time I've lost, playing myself and not
Sitting wondering what's the opportunity cost?
If I left, what if I fall off track?
People telling me, "Make sure you got a fallback"
It's a risk, that I'm willing to take
It could be the best mistake that I ever made
[Pre-Chorus]
I know I'm not the only one
Who feels like they're not where they belong
Waiting to make the world my stage
But I can't because of my age
It's time to put the books away
[Chorus]
I don't wanna stay in school, 'cause I'd be better off
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
No, I don't wanna stay in school, 'cause I'd be better off
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
[Bridge]
I don't wanna stay in school, 'cause I'd be better off
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
No, I don't wanna stay in school, 'cause I'd be better off
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love, oh
[Chorus]
I don't wanna stay in school, 'cause I'd be better off
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
No, I don't wanna stay in school, 'cause I'd be better off
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love
Putting in ten thousand hours, doing what I love