Coming Of Age (With Our Eyes Wide Open)

Story Behind The Song

Nathaniel Bishton and Tom Kaczmarek had teamed up on another song (currently in production) in 2002, more inspirational in nature, about a conversion of heart in a teen-ager. Nathaniel approached Tom Kaczmarek about writing a "graduation" song for Nathaniel's June 2003 graduation, to be performed at the ceremony. The song brought Tom and Jody Boyd together for the first musical collaboration between the two since their own high school days back in the late 70's. The song was the beginning of a new relationship between them and added a rich layer of meaning to the words in the chorus for them. Jody and Tom share more than ancient history, Jody is Tom's daughter's step-dad. Macy Kaczmarek, 19, sings on the track as well. After many difficult years, the song reflects the healing power of music in the lives of the people making it. The song is great, but the story might be better!

Song Description

This song reflects the "Coming Of Age" story of people in all stages in life. Told particulary through the perspective of someone "graduating" from High School. It is important that as we arrive we do so with our "eyes wide open". The song builds skillfully to a chorus that pays off everytime you hear it. The chorus is an invitation to keep in touch, to re-connect with old friends and to be sure to keep our eyes open to the present. You'll listen to it 2 or 3 times the first time you hear it, guaranteed, it's that much fun! It's the Coming Of Age genre from the cinema come alive in song. This song is destined to end up buried in one (or more) movie soundtracks.

Song Length 5:58 Genre Pop - Rock, Pop - Easy Listening
Tempo Other Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Joyful, Welcoming Subject General, Celebration
Similar Artists Billy Joel, Sting Language English
Era 2000 and later

Lyrics

Coming Of Age (With Our Eyes Wide Open)
Words by Nathaniel Bishton and Tom Kaczmarek © 2003. All rights reserved.

Wo, where'd the time go, is it tomorrow already?
Plant a seed, stand back and watch it grow.
Today the seedling has come of age.
Weren't we just in 3rd grade, runnin' 'cross the playground in the mornin' sun?

Wo, where will the road lead, will it lead some to disaster?
How long will be 'til our eyes see, happiness isn't always everafter?
Weren't we just in 5th grade, playin' in the backyard late in the afternnoon?
CHORUS
So call me up, and call me your friend
Call this the beginning, please don't call it the end
Today we wear a cap and gown as we step onto the stage
With our eyes wide open
We're finally coming of age
with our eyes wide open
we're coming of age
with our eyes wide open

Wo, we've all crossed mom and dad
dancin' with both feet over the line.
Tinkin' we could do whatever,
thinkin'g again was just a waste of time.
Weren't we just in 8th grade, dreamin' about high school when we closed our eyes?

Wo, you know the time has come,
the time when we become women and men.
Ad as we move into tomorrow, don't ever forget where we've been
Was it just September, then suddenly December and now it's June?

CHORUS

Where will we be in ten years? Where will these seedlings grow?
Someday time will stand still and we'll look back on this day and know that we came of age
With our eyes wide open
We've come of age...

Lyrics Nathaniel Bishton & Tom Kaczmarek Music Tom Kaczmarek
Producer Tom Kaczmarek & Jody Boyd Performance Tom Kaczmarek Lead Vocal and keyboards, Macy Kaczmarek Backing Vocal, Jody Boyd Drums, percussion and guitars, Al Waters soprano sax, John McNeill lead guitar
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