my back pages lyrics

Crimson flames tied through my ears, rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads, usin' 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 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 facts of musketeers foundation deep, somehow
Ah, 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 that I'd become my enemy in the instant that I preach
My pathway led by confusion boats mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now

Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinkin', 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 than that now

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