[Verse 1] When I was ten, the grown-ups knew Exactly what was going on. They knew which road was faster. They knew what every button did. They knew when bills were due somehow. They knew what things were supposed to cost. And if we took a wrong turn somewhere, Dad just said, We're not fucking lost. So I figured there'd be a moment When that knowledge settled down. Some birthday where it all made sense. I THOUGHT I'D KNOW BY NOW. [Chorus] I THOUGHT I'D KNOW BY NOW WHAT THE HELL I'M SUPPOSED TO DO. I THOUGHT SOMEDAY I'D WAKE UP WITH A CLEARER POINT OF VIEW. BUT I'VE GOT PEOPLE ASKING QUESTIONS LIKE I'VE GOT THIS FIGURED OUT. I KEEP WAITING FOR THE ANSWERS— I THOUGHT I'D KNOW BY NOW. [Verse 2] At eighteen, I thought twenty-five Would have the whole damn thing worked out. At twenty-five, I moved the finish Somewhere closer to thirty-five. Then forty showed up uninvited While I was busy living life. Now I've got responsibilities, A career, some kids, a wife. I've made choices that affected More than only my own ground. You'd think that means I know where this goes. I THOUGHT I'D KNOW BY NOW. [Chorus] I THOUGHT I'D KNOW BY NOW WHAT THE HELL I'M SUPPOSED TO DO. I THOUGHT SOMEDAY I'D WAKE UP WITH A CLEARER POINT OF VIEW. BUT I'VE GOT PEOPLE ASKING QUESTIONS LIKE I'VE GOT THIS FIGURED OUT. I KEEP WAITING FOR THE ANSWERS— I THOUGHT I'D KNOW BY NOW. [Verse 3] I thought certainty came with wrinkles. Thought experience killed the doubt. Turns out every answer teaches you Ten more things you don't know about. I've changed my mind on things I swore once. I've been wrong when I felt sure. I've watched plans I thought were permanent Disappear behind a door. But I've also made some good calls With no fucking clue they'd work. Built a life without instructions From decisions made unsure. Maybe nobody gets the handbook. Maybe that's what I've found out. Maybe everyone is guessing— THEY JUST DON'T SAY IT OUT LOUD. [Bridge] Maybe Dad didn't know the shortcut. Maybe Mom got scared sometimes. Maybe every grown-up I believed in Was just learning in real time. Maybe confidence ain't knowing. Maybe wisdom isn't sure. Maybe growing up is realizing There ain't always one right course. You choose. You fuck up. You adjust. You learn. You apologize. You try. Then somebody younger asks you something— And somehow... YOU'RE THE FUCKING GUIDE. [Final Chorus] I THOUGHT I'D KNOW BY NOW WHAT THE HELL I'M SUPPOSED TO DO. NOW I'M STARTING TO SUSPECT THAT NOBODY EVER REALLY KNEW. WE JUST LOVE AND LOSE AND LEARN THINGS. MAKE SOME PLANS AND WORK THEM OUT. CHANGE DIRECTION WHEN WE NEED TO— MAYBE THAT'S WHAT LIFE'S ABOUT. I DON'T NEED TO KNOW THE ENDING. I DON'T NEED THE PERFECT ROUTE. I'M STILL LEARNING. I'M STILL MOVING. AND I THINK I GET IT NOW. [Outro] At ten, I thought the grown-ups knew everything. At eighteen, I thought I would too. At forty, I finally figured out— They didn't. And neither do I. But tomorrow morning, people I love are going to need me. So I'll get up. Make the coffee. Figure out what I can. And keep going. Maybe that's enough for now.
