My Back Pages
Written by Bob Dylan ©1964
Found on Back Pages

Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with 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 then than 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
Foundation deep, somehow

Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger then than now

In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing that that I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
My existence led by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow

Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger then than 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 then than now
I was so much older then
I'm younger then than now