Pull back the credit we take for breaking through

To the moment before we really knew

Take off the jackets and shirts and see some skin

Feel a chill of the air we were born in

Before the debate came in

The rewards are great for those who can stay

Would you all push me offside

Force me to hide from the sun?

Look at the oneupsmanship that gets you through

And you'll see that one put down is you

Shine the harsh light on the faults of those you know

And you'll find it's so bright your eyes stay closed

You better get on the first bus home

What makes it okay? So tempting to stay

Would you all turn me aside

Force me to hide from the sun

If I should run when real nighttime comes?

If I should look down off my ledge

Pare down the man who can order someone dead

To the boy who can't take the sight of red

Show the landlady who throws her weight around

As the girl who won't walk alone downtown

And you'll see it's a long way down

My bed in my room, I need some sleep

Would it be so much to ask

To please leave out of the fun?

'Cause I'm not the one

If I should run when real nighttime comes

If I should look down off my ledge

Now I don't want anything I can't afford

Just a letter from home and a lock on the door