Growing Up Lyrics

Second day of third grade, Three Oaks Elementary She sat in the first row, I was all the way across the room It might as well have been the far side of the moon I had to get her attention, she wouldn't look at me I waited for the bell to ring, and when we went outside for recess I put a cricket down the backside of her dress Had to take a note home, Mama spanked my butt Daddy hugged me, "Son, that's part of growing up" You live and learn to give and take When to use your strength And when you need a gentle touch Sometimes it takes patience Sometimes a greater store of love You learn it growing up Andy was my best friend, all the way through high school We couldn't wait for Friday night We'd chip in change for gas in his car and roam One night I was grounded so he went out on his own Two o'clock in the morning, I'd just gotten to sleep Mama took the call and woke me "That was Andy's Daddy on the phone" Andy missed that hairpin curve on Levee Road Andy loved to run hard, he never buckled up Mama held me when I cried growing up You live and learn to give and take When to pray for strength When understanding's not enough Look life in the eye Even when the road gets rough It's not easy growing up I can't forget the day she called me home from work The pains were getting closer She said, "Hon, don't panic, but it's time to go" We named him "Andy" for a friend I used to know It hit me just this morning, I dropped him off at school No great revelation I bowed my head and thanked the Lord for all I've got Little league and family picnics in the park Both our folks are doing well, the circle's filling out I treasure every moment; I'm still growing up You live and learn to give and take Always try to do your best And hope that it's enough If you don't lose the faith You'll always find the love It's all part of growing up