When I grew up, well it felt great
I watched how others took their fate
Some felt afraid and undefended
So they got meanAnd they pretended what they knew
Made them belong more than you
I'm sure you know there's lots to learn
But that's not your fault, that's just your turnTeenagers, kick our butts
Tell us what the future will bring
Teenagers, look at us
We have not solved everythingWe drink and smoke to numb our pain
We read junk novels on the plane
We use authority for show
So we can be a little smarterWe still can grow, and many do
It's when we stop we can't reach you
We feel the loss, you feel the blame
We're scared to lose, don't be the sameTeenagers, kick our butts
Tell us what the future will bring
Teenagers, look at us
We have not solved everythingThe hometown brought it's hero in
To speak at the high school gym
He took a breath, he took a chance
He strode up in his leather pantsAnd said, "Gee, thanks but
I'm here today because
I fought for what I felt and what I thought
They put me down, they were just wrong
And now it's they who don't belong"Teenagers, kick our butts
Tell us what the future will bring
Teenagers, look at us
We have not solved everythingAnd when the media tries to act your age
Don't be seduced, they're full of rage
Find your voice, do what it takes
Make sure you make lots of mistakesAnd find the future that redeems
Give us hell, give us dreams
And grow and grow and growAnd someday when some teenagers
Come to kick your butts
Well then, like I do, try to
Love
Kick our butts
Love
Kick our butts
Oh, I love
Kick our butts
Kick our