My Back Pages (Alternate Version)

Crimson flames tied through my years

Flowing high and mighty trapped

Countless fire and 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 flanks 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 I'd become my enemy

In the instant that I preach

Sisters fled by confusion boats

Mutiny from stern to bow

Ah, but I was so much older then

I'm younger than that now

Ah, but I was so much older then

I'm younger than that now

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