Written by John Mellencamp and George Green



Pre-war matador

save your broken bones

Golden rule, he's such a fool

in the streets alone

Slow burn, taciturn

nothing left to say

Column five, sympathize

it's easier that way



(1st chorus)



Just want to be a big boy

pushin' some Jim-jims around

but it's hard to be a dreamer

in a dream killing town

Hard to be a dreamer

in a dream killing town



Good as dead, Sally said

I fear what she knows

Money spent, for reconnaissance

and blood's upon her clothes

Child's toy, soldier boy

playing with his gun

Uptown, missile clown

living on the run



(2nd chorus)



He just want to be a big boy

growing up too soon

Show you his gun

flash his knife in the sun

and dance to a rock and roll tune



(bridge)



Once tried, twice denied

Sally said she knew

Full sized polarized

is what she's looking through

Switch blade, promenade

leather jacket war

Cliché, don't runaway

Slipping out the back door



All night parasite

wake me up at noon

Copped himself an attitude

down at the Red Dog Saloon

Quick laid, masquerade

gets the young boy up tight

Low rent, Jack-a-Lent

says he's gonna be all right