Janis Ian Childhood Hero Lyrics

I can't believe so much could go so wrong It seems like every door is closed to me I wake every morning resolved to be strong I tell myself I keep good company

I can't believe that this is my life There's always been someone to shelter me Now I'm out there on the streets without a knife being told I'm ancient history

The doors that close once opened wide I try to take it all in stride and hold my head up to the sky But now they slam right in my face with unseen hands that can't be traced and leave a bruise that even you cannot erase

They say that art's become an industry and that I've been away too long this time They say I've taken too much liberty Well what kind of punishment fits that crime?
They say success came much too fast I never learned to suffer or to beg Just look at the bruises I've amassed I've paid my dues now - can we start again?

The doors that close once opened wide I try to take it all in stride and think of better times gone by But I've heard everyone's excuse It's no longer any use

I might have been your childhood hero I might have been your native son but I was grounded close to zero Now that rocket ride is done

And if I never reach Orion And if I never fly that far Still, there's no harm in trying to go walking on a star