Hudson explained the meaning of the song on her site in 2001.
“I think this is what kids want to say, like it’s their anthem. I think they don’t like being written off as if they didn’t know much about God or what they really believe in. Sometimes older people can easily stereotype this generation...
[Verse 1]
You would think that I could find
A simple song, a photograph of mine
To show this public eye what I have to offer
I may not have a PhD
Or speak in eloquent philosophy
I'm nothing more than simply me, you'll see
[Pre-Chorus]
What I am trying to say, hey
I'm just a babe in so many ways
[Chorus]
I'm still growing, still stretching
Still breaking in these new shoes
Looking for a way to make a mark of my own
I'm just a spring chick, wet behind the ears
It's a part of life, so there's no need to fear
These growing pains that I'm going through
[Verse 2]
I don't regret, I'm not ashamed
That I haven't yet begun to speaketh ways (As the wisest of men)
Oh perhaps some day but for now I'm grateful
To be a part of the family tree
While The Man upstairs does His work on me
It's a job that may take eternity to complete
Just when I've learned all I can
Those growing pains up and kick on in again
[Chorus]
Still growing, still stretching
Still breaking in these new shoes
Looking for a way to make a mark of my own
I'm just a spring chick, wet behind the ears
It's a part of life, so there's no need to fear
These growing pains that I'm going through
[Verse 3]
Time after time, one more time and again
Will it ever end?
It's the lessons in our lives that make us wise
But young or old, I am told it's the same
Oh, these growing pains never go away
So I'll just keep on trying
[Instrumental Break]
[Pre-Chorus]
What I am trying to say, hey
I'm just a babe in so many ways
[Chorus]
Still growing, still stretching
Still breaking in these new shoes
Looking for a way to make a mark of my own
I'm just a spring chick, wet behind the ears
It's a part of life, so there's no need to fear
These growing pains that I'm going through
Oh, baby don't worry about a thing
[Outro]
Thank you
Thank you very much
Thank you
Thank you
Growing Pains was written by Mark Dickson & Katy Perry.
Growing Pains was produced by David Browning.
Katy Perry released Growing Pains on Thu Feb 08 2001.