my back pages

The Byrds

Written by Bob Dylan

Crimson flames tied through my years
Rollin high and mighty trapped
Countless violent flaming roads
Using ideas as my map
"We'll meet on edges soon" said I
Proud 'neath heated brow
Ah but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now

Half wracked prejudice leaped forth
"Rip down all hate" I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull. I dreamed
Romantic flanks of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow
Ah but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now

In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
Sisters fled by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow
Ah but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now

My guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now