[Verse 1] Cap and gown in the back of my closet Dust on the dream they said I should chase Everybody talking in commercial slogans Like there’s only one way to be safe Mom said “college ” dad said “paycheck” Guidance counselor circling my fate But my gut kept humming its own language Static cutting through all the praise [Chorus] They told me grow up Like it’s some deadline on a Monday “Sign here Slow down Stay in your lane” But I’m not built to obey If growing up means Trading all my colors for a briefcase I’d rather scrape my knees in the wrong place Than wear a life that never fits my face I’ll grow up my way (I’ll grow up my way) [Verse 2] Subliminal program in the school bell rhythm “Line up Sit down Don’t ask why” But I doodled whole worlds in the test margins Let the red ink blur Watched it dry Friends posting proof that they’re doing it right Engagement rings Office light glow I’m still in a bedroom full of half-packed boxes Heart saying “leave ” fear saying “don’t go” [Chorus] They told me grow up Like it’s some deadline on a Monday “Sign here Slow down Stay in your lane” But I’m not built to obey If growing up means Trading all my colors for a briefcase I’d rather scrape my knees in the wrong place Than wear a life that never fits my face I’ll grow up my way (yeah, my way) [Bridge] Maybe growing up is Owning every scar I hid Calling my younger self Saying “you were right We did it” Maybe real success hits When the mirror feels like a friend When the story that I’m living Ain’t a script they wrote in pen [Chorus] They told me grow up Like it’s some deadline on a Monday “Sign here Slow down Stay in your lane” But I’m not built to obey If growing up means Shrinking just to fit in their space I’d rather chase the wrong dream at full pace Than wear a life that never fits my face I’ll grow up my way (I’ll grow, I’ll grow) I’ll grow up my way
