The Grownup Way

 

Because you are a little boy, and though you are my pride and joy,
I must make sure you understand the laws that rule the ‘Grownup Land.’

Someone decided long ago, that as each child begins to grow,
They must be taught the ‘grownup way,’ and practice it each night and day.

Now, I’m not saying that it’s right, but if you’re going to see the light,
And know what grownups think is wrong, the first step is to sing this song.

You might not understand it yet, but if you learn it well, I’ll bet
The roads you travel will be paved with comments on how well-behaved

You are when grownups are about...of that, my son, I have no doubt.
So fill your lungs like a balloon, and try to keep your voice in tune;

Each verse, once clearly, will suffice, but sing the chorus each time twice:
Take your muddy feet from there, or they will try to pull your hair;
Be a good boy,
Show respect boy.

Please be nice and please say grace, or they will try to slap your face;
Be a good boy,
Be refined, boy.

Please don’t wallow in the dirt, if you would rather not get hurt.
Be a good boy,
Spic and span, boy.

Wash your face and clean your toes, or they will have to pinch your nose;
Be a good boy,
Be a clean boy.

Please be quiet; don’t be loud, or they might lose you in the crowd;
Be a good boy,
Be a calm boy.

Don’t you belch and don’t you fart, or they’ll be forced to break your heart.
Be a good boy,
Be polite, boy.

Learn your colors, black to white, or they will try to pick a fight.
Be a good boy,
Be a smart boy.

Learn to add, subtract, divide, or you can’t skip or swing or slide.
Be a good boy,
Be a bright boy.

Tantrums like some children throw, will only make them stomp your toe.
Be a good boy,
Be reserved, boy.

Please live life in the ‘grownup way,’ or they might take your life away.
Be a good boy,
Don’t make waves, boy.

Bravo, my son, a job well done! I hope you’ve learned, and had some fun,
For now you have a solid plan to chart your path through ‘Grownup Land.’

But there’s some lyrics I must add; some special words penned by your Dad.
For I’ve learned well that you must do what other grownups want you to.

But though you must obey their rules, it doesn’t mean they’re not still fools,
Nor that their codes are all correct. Instead, each one you must inspect.

‘Cause grownups think they know it all...I think because they’re big and tall,
And they have taxes, jobs and cars; make money, babies, homes and wars!

But none of that makes grownups wise, they only want your ears and eyes
To hear and see the way they do, but I say: To yourself be true .

Since those things most would punish you, are things grownups themselves all do.
Few realize that if they’re to teach, they each must practice what they preach.

This means no dogma’s right or wrong; no one way weak, nor one way strong.
Your own heart must weigh and debate where morals, ethics, love and hate

Each find their place within your soul, and then, where you fit in this whole
Great cosmos, and upon this earth; if Hell or Heaven are of worth.

The same of knowledge, truth, and art; the mind, the soul, the hands, the heart.
And if your mind your whole life grows, you’ll not regret which paths you chose,

For you’ll feel free to shift and grow, and bravely let such changes show.
For years, on this point you’ll debate, but I’ve done all you’ll contemplate,

Yet when for each, you’ve made your choice, I’ll veto none, nor squelch your voice,
And I’ll vow never to be sad, or tell you that your views are bad,

For even now, I’m filled with glee when you don’t always think like me.
So, since you know the tune by heart, please hum a bar and then we’ll start.

Don’t say, ‘CAN’T,’ but always TRY, each test should make you grin, not cry.
Be a good boy,
Have some faith, boy.

Don’t be blind or deaf or dumb, and walk through life like everyone.
Be yourself, boy,
Know your heart, boy.

When doubting what’s been said is ‘right,’ don't fear to stand up tall and fight.
Raise your voice, boy,
Make your point, boy.

But listen with a thoughtful ear, before you challenge what you hear.
Clear your view, boy,
Open mind, boy.

When you find what’s ‘truth’ for you, don’t seek to change another’s view.
Don’t coerce, boy,
Tolerance, boy.

Don’t forget the books you’ve read, or things wise men through time have said.
They’ve a place, boy,
Choose to learn, boy.

Never let such schooling end, on constant growth you must depend.
There’s still more, boy,
Take your fill, boy.

Yet also set your mind apart, and make decisions with your heart.
Love is good, boy,
Open up, boy.

When it comes time to have your son, or daughter or a cherished one,
Sing this song, boy,
Teach them too, boy.


Then you and I won’t be alone; the only ones still left ungrown.
Don’t grow up, boy,
Don’t grow up, boy.