My Back Pages lyrics

Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin` high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads
Using 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
Foundationed 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.

Yes, 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.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I`m younger than that now.