Crimson flames tied through my ears

Rollin' high and mighty traps

Countless fire on flaming roads

Using ideas as my maps

"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 that 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.



(musical intermezzo)



Ah, but I was so much older then,

I'm younger than then 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.