My Back Pages [Alternate Version]

Crimson flames tied through my years

Rollin' high and mighty trapped

Countless violent flaming roads

Using ideas as my map

"We'll meet on edges soon," said I

Proud 'neath heated brow



Ahh, 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

Foundation deep, somehow



Ahh, 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 I'd become my enemy

In the instant that I preach

Sisters fled by confusion boats

Mutiny from stern to bow



Ahh, but I was so much older then

I'm younger than that now



Ahh, but I was so much older then

I'm younger than that 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



Ahh, but I was so much older then

I'm younger than that now