Uploaded October 2013 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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This is the first in a series of videos were I will talk about specific songs, the meanings behind the lyrics, and what I was thinking about when I wrote them.

Here are the lyrics:

Dear Mr. Brown,
One day I'll be you and
Although I'm only eight now,
You need to hear my rules:
Never stop playing
Never stop dreaming and
And be careful not to
Turn into some one I'd hate

Robert as adult:
Dear little boy,
I'm doing my best up here but
It's a thankless job and
Nobody feels the same.
You work long hours,
Watch your credit rating,
Pay your taxes and
Prepare to die.

Jody Ellen:
I have tried to keep my soul
I lost the fight to keep a hold
Now I am not awake
Now I'm not awake

Robert as boy:
Hey Mr. Brown,
That can't be what life is like!
I've watched some movies,
And I've, I've read some books.
Life should be exciting,
And sometimes scary, but
What you're describing doesn't
Seem worth the time.

Robert as adult:
Hey little boy,
I think you were always right.
I've dropped that worthless life and
I'm moving on.
Life should be adventure.
I'm stealing back my soul.
I've lost too many years,
now I'm awake.

Robert and Jody Ellen:
You were right
I nearly lost my soul
I will fight to steal back my soul
Now I am awake
Now I'm awake