Concrete Times

I remember a time when there was nothing but trees and green grass
Now I look around in concrete times and stay behind the glass
Crowds of people but I'm all alone staring at the bill for the telephone
Sometimes I miss those days when the world was green and growing

But there's too many people now, too mean and too knowing
They say you've got to be hard in a hard world
Say goodbye to suburban boys 'cause urban joy is hard to find
What you gonna do? It's all around you
Sounds of the street start to surround you

What you gonna do in concrete times?
Now I know these memories are just my naivety
And I know that boyhood's gone and this is where you stay
But so much has changed that I can see

Now I hear sirens and turn up the TV
I remember knowing every house and every name on our street
Now I don't even know our next door neighbors
Just the sound of their feet

'Cause your eyes are more open the older you get
But the wide eyes of childhood are gone forever, you see more and less
And school plays have been replaced
And too many friends have joined the race

The newspaper brings sad news through my door
Acceptance and gritted teeth when you walk outside at night
Guns and knives replaced the schoolyard fight
And the street lights blinking on and on keep me up for hours
Along with my thoughts in a pretty concrete tower