Song Meaning
The lyrics capture a stark transition from childhood innocence to the dawning awareness of adulthood. The narrator moves from a state of aimless play to a conscious understanding of life's purpose, marked by a shift in perspective on time and potential. This transformation is framed by questions about perceived limits and future possibilities.
The central tension lies in the contrast between past and present selves, specifically how the narrator perceives their own journey and the 'game' of life. Yesterday was a time of being 'a child running thru my mind' and 'passing thru my life / With no aim.' Today, however, the narrator is 'a young man' who 'knows the name' and 'knows the aim / Of the game.' This signifies a profound internal shift from passive existence to active engagement with life's direction.
The repeated questions in the pre-choruses, 'What did you think when you were told / You could be 100 years old?' and 'Did you ever think when you were small / That you could be 7 feet tall?', highlight a confrontation with the vastness of time and the potential for growth. These aren't just rhetorical; they seem to probe the narrator's own past assumptions about limitations, suggesting a newfound appreciation for the expansive nature of existence now that they are older and perhaps more aware of their own mortality and capabilities.
The effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their directness and the potent imagery of growth and awareness. The simple, almost childlike language belies a deep contemplation of self and time. The insistent repetition of 'What do you think now?' and 'What does it feel like?' in the chorus underscores the raw, immediate impact of this realization, leaving the listener to ponder their own journey of becoming.