Growing Up

Fifth grade was a big year from me
I noticed girls who noticed me
Mom was Den Chief, Dad played Taxi singing leader of the band
Then dad fucked this girl religously
Handpicked from the handbell society
Mom left pissed off, I dyed my hair green and auditioned for a show

I was growing up, learning how to swear in Jesus′ name
Growing up forced to understand what I can't
And still the last one picked in every kickball game

First came a role in ′Hello, Dolly!'
What next, homosexuality?
Mom brought flowers, Dad was busy, though he lived a mile away

The rest of High School's a blur to me
I noticed girls didn′t notice me
Mom had self-help, Dad should get some
And I needed to get laid

I was growing up learning that ′I Love You' doesn′t mean shit
Growing up forced to pretend I'm alright
Acting like my father, and hating myself for it

Next came a BFA degree
I found drinking, no drinking found me
Painful dating, then graduating
And debt and unemployed

Then Dad called unexpectantly
With excuses to recite to me
Blamed his Father, blamed his Childhood
And I laughed and hung up the phone
And I refused to cry
And I let it go

Swinging from my family tree
I climb and find myself part of a brilliant legacy
Of men who never forgave, men who won't forget
Never a measure of-
With all that′s come before, all that's left to sing
My Dad is still my Dad, and I wouldn′t change a thing
Growing up