Well I stood stone-like at midnight suspended in my masquerade
I combed my hair till it was just right and commanded the night brigade, hey!
I was open to pain and crossed by the rain, I walked on a crooked crutch
I strode all alone into a fallout zone and came out with my soul untouched
I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd, when they said sit down I stood up Ooh, ooh, growing up [Spoken:] Very good, I'm impressed, I'm impressed. This is an old fucker; I'm very impressed, you gotta-
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, bombed 'em with the blues with my gear set stubborn on standing
I broke all the rules, strafed my old high school, and never once gave thought to landing
Hid in the clouded warmth of the crowd, when they said come down I threw up
Ooh, ooh, go! Growing up [Spoken:] Alright! Big man, take it!
Month-long vacations in the stratosphere, you know it's really hard to hold your breath
Swear I lost everything I ever loved or feared, I was the cosmic kid
My feet they finally took root in the earth, I got me a nice little place in the stars
I swear I found the key to the universe in the engine of an old parked car
I hid in the clouded wrath of the crowd, when they said sit down I stood up
Go!
Ooh, ooh, growing up
Ohh whoa-oh, growing up
[Spoken outro:] I see you later. Thanks for coming out. We're gonna have a great night.
Info
The above lyrics are for the live 01 Feb 2014 performance of GROWIN' UP at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the High Hopes Tour. The song was played solo on acoustic guitar. The parts in bold are sung by the crowd.
Bruce Springsteen appeared on stage around 5:30 p.m. while the stadium was filling to entertain those who were in early. He performed a three-song solo acoustic set that includes WORKING ON THE HIGHWAY, I'LL WORK FOR YOUR LOVE, and GROWIN' UP. Pro-shot video of the latter two was posted the following day on Bruce Springsteen's official website.
The 01 Feb 2014 concert in Johannesburg, South Africa, is among the High Hopes Tour shows that are officially available for purchase, but GROWIN' UP is not included in the release since it was not part of the main show.
Available Versions
List of available versions of GROWIN' UP on this website:
