I grew up in a little, little town
I used to play ball on the old playground
Teacher gave me stars for bein’ real good
Teacher gave me grades for knowin’ the rules
Well how come then that things do change
You go away, well, and you get to feel strange

But I don’t feel so big no more
Since I left the last key
And closed the door
Workin’ ain’t the same as the kickball days
Workin’ ain’t the same as the schoolyard plays

And when I started growin’
And I’d look at pretty girls
There was one I knew
With the long blond curls
We used to meet at the library
We used to make out
Behind the big, big tree
Had a paisley shirt
And nice combed hair
Pennies in my shoes
And not one care

But I don’t feel so big no more
Since I left the last key
That opened the door
Workin’ ain’t the same as the kickball days
Workin’ ain’t the same as the schoolyard plays

You’re the one with the smile that stays
You’re the one, I turn around dazed
Boy she says, I’m strong for you
Don’t you worry now
Show you what to do
So I’m sittin’ on the banks
It’s the Fourth of July
Holdin’ my girl, seein’ little girl eyes
Brown hair shines in the evening light
Sparkles fly, and it feels so right
But next thing you know she’s wavin’ goodbye
She’s hitting the road
He’s ready to cry

Now I don’t feel so big no more
Since I left the last key
That opened the door
Workin’ ain’t the same as the kickball days
Workin’ ain’t the same as the schoolyard plays

And when I go back to my little, little town
I walk the same street to the old downtown
I look up the hill to the red brick school
I see myself walkin’, tryin’ to act real cool
I hold onto my dreams ‘cause they keep me strong
Hold onto a street in the old downtown
Just puttin’ on a play ‘bout my yesterdays
Walkin’ through a scene that’s far, far away

And I don’t feel so big no more
Since I left the last key
That opened the door
Workin’ ain’t the same as the kickball days
Workin’ ain’t the same as the schoolyard plays
Workin’ ain’t the same as the kickball days
Workin’ ain’t the same as the schoolyard plays