Childhood Hero

Janis Ian

I can't believe so much could go so wrong
It seems like every door is closed to me
I wake every morning resolved to be strong
I tell myself I keep good company

I can't believe that this is my life
There's always been someone to shelter me
Now I'm out there on the streets without a knife
being told I'm ancient history

The doors that close once opened wide
I try to take it all in stride
and hold my head up to the sky
But now they slam right in my face
with unseen hands that can't be traced
and leave a bruise that even you cannot erase

They say that art's become an industry
and that I've been away too long this time
They say I've taken too much liberty
Well what kind of punishment fits that crime?

They say success came much too fast
I never learned to suffer or to beg
Just look at the bruises I've amassed
I've paid my dues now - can we start again?

The doors that close once opened wide
I try to take it all in stride
and think of better times gone by
But I've heard everyone's excuse
It's no longer any use

I might have been your childhood hero
I might have been your native son
but I was grounded close to zero
Now that rocket ride is done

And if I never reach Orion
And if I never fly that far
Still, there's no harm in trying
to go walking on a star

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