You've Been Around Too Long
Embracing Change: Asserting Independence Through Time
Lyrics
Ooh, I hear you say attitudes and times have changed
Acknowledgment that attitudes and times have changed.
And I know the feeling, it's long overdue
Expressing familiarity with the feeling of change, indicating it's overdue.
You say this is a time to right old wrongs
Highlighting the need to correct past mistakes during this time.
Tell me now, if it's true
Seeking confirmation if the stated need for change is genuine.
You got the mind, you got the time
Acknowledging the capability and opportunity to act.
How long are you gonna wait to do what you want to do now
Questioning the delay in pursuing desires or goals.
You've been around too long
Addressing someone who has been present or involved for an extended period.
Not to notice what's going on in town
Asserting the importance of being aware of current events in the town or society.
You've got to understand
Stressing the need for understanding the speaker's perspective.
I'm taking my life in my own hands
Declaring the decision to take control of one's life and make progress.
And gaining ground, look around
Observing positive changes and progress in the surroundings.
Peace of mind
Expressing a desire for tranquility and contentment.
You got yours, I want mine
Asserting the right to personal peace of mind.
If you really want to do right by me
Expressing a condition for doing right: understanding and acknowledging the speaker's perspective.
See what you want to see
Encouraging openness and honesty in perception.
But let me be what I want to be
Affirming the right to pursue personal goals and identity.
'Cause you've been around too long
Reiterating the idea that being present for too long should lead to awareness of internal changes.
Not to realize what's going on inside
Emphasizing similarity between the speaker and the addressed person in recognizing internal changes.
I'm just like you
Identifying with the addressee's efforts and struggles.
I'm doing the best that I can do to make my stride
Expressing the speaker's commitment to doing their best to move forward.
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