Growing Up Lyrics - Singles - Ed Bruce

Words & Music by 

Ed Bruce and Phil O'Donnell 

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