I miss being young

I miss being young

my life spread out before me

like a four-lane Texas highway

that never ends

laughter on my tongue

trouble would ignore me

my parents still alive

good times with all my friends

appreciating stillness

never fearing illness

looking toward the future

with every youthful breath

now I am an old man

doing everything I can

to try not to think about

my upcoming death

I miss being young

hitchhiking by the roadside

flirting with the girls

being one of the boys

climbing every rung

joy was never denied

taking every opportunity

to make a joyful noise

appreciating friendship

not having to defend it

experiencing freedom

with a song inside my heart

now I am an old man

fighting to understand

the meaning of my life

and why I must depart

          no need for excuses

          no reason and no rhyme

          now I just feel useless

          and I need some more time

I miss being young

searching for a companion

hunting for adventure

I never was afraid

always having fun

I never felt abandoned

I never had regrets

for the decisions I have made 

summers in the sunshine

I never feared the bad times

I never thought there'd come a day

when my songs would all be sung

now I am an old man

and I do not give a damn

somehow I still feel hopeful

like my life has just begun

I still want tomorrow

I miss being young