[Verse 1]
I have heard a million places
Said from knife-edged, grownup faces
"We own your body, 8 to 5, boy
Do not be late to arrive, boy
Keep your nose down to the grindstone
And I'm sure you'll grow to be a man"

[Verse 2]
As a young boy, I discovered
It was best to run for cover
Dreamin' in the weeds was liable
To get you the brush and bible
"Keep your mind on things we've proven
And I'm sure you'll grow to be a man"

[Chorus]
Childhood, wild-hood
Magic time to play
Long years, deep fears
Please don't take my toys

[Verse 3]
You better come home straight from school
'Cause if you break your parents' rule
There'll be no food, no television
And dare you question their decision
Forty whacks when father gets home
And I'm sure you'll grow to be a man
[Verse 4]
I left home when I was fifteen
And a million things I have seen
But I've found no happy men
They all want to be boys again
And never hear their parents say
"Watch me and you will grow to be a man"

[Outro]
Childhood, wild-hood
No more time to play