Once upon an avenue where the kids do what they want to do
And the streets are paved with glue
No one leaves, and nothing good is true
Daddy took the 5:02, he said
"Seven years can make a man of you, try and do like the other boys do
Take your licks and hide your black and blues"
The only good advice I gave you was
"Try to march in time, my son
Don't try to take back your stolen years
It sounds crazy, but this suicide turns out right if you march in time"
Through the system at age 14
Social service for a troubled teen, taking tokes out on the green
And ditchin' obligation for your social scene
And all the while, some administrator screams
"Try to march in time, my son
Stand in line and stick with your own crowd
We made you what you are, now make us proud and march in time"
I know you vowed you'd never be another social casualty, just like them
You hated all the opposition, the silver-spooned competition, and you won't pretend, it's you or them
"I've never been one to pray, but I think I've lost my way
I need these tired eyes to see the light shine"
Twice upon an avenue, another turning of the family screw
The neighbors all think he looks like you
Your father's hands will wash his hands of truth
Now you take the 5:19
Try and dig some scratch to keep him clean
Another generation screams, "he'll go on to be someone someday"
If only you could find the words to say
"Try to march in time, my son
Don't try to take back your stolen years
It might be crazy, but this suicide never turns out right
But it will turn out right if you march in time"