Growing Up

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