if you were seventeen

if you were seventeen and living
in a trailer park in Florida
this might be acceptable
the way you're acting
but you're an adult in the city
with a career and a family
you shouldn't have to try so hard
to uncover satisfaction

but go ahead
be a rebel
do what you're going to do
it can take lots of medicine
to see yourself through
smoke the weed
gulp the liquor
lay it on a little thicker
here, pass the TV clicker
let's find a clearer picture…

if you were seventeen and lifting twenties
from your mother's purse
we would categorize your problems
under learning a life lesson
but you're a grown-ass man,
not center of the universe
just looking at your life
is causing manic and depression

but go ahead
test your freedom
but try not to forget
this circus act you're doing's
crashing down
without a net
don't think you're so
unique here
turn up the bass
plug in the speaker
there's help if you're feeling weaker
ain't you a happy little tweaker?