Story Behind The Song
I saw this guy interviewed on late night television (he was 21 at the time of the interview). His story moved and insprired me (and I was a big fan of the Guinness book as a kid.)
Song Description
A kid graduates from college at age 11. We realize that it's only ebcause his dad pushed him and made him study all the time. he really wanted to be a normal kid, so when he graduates college, He goes back to Jr high School to be with kids his own age at last.
| Song Length |
4:24 |
Genre |
Folk - Contemporary, Folk - General |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Affable, Poignant |
Subject |
Regret, Liberal, Progressive |
| Similar Artists |
Jewel, The Eagles |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1990 - 1999 |
| |
Lyrics
I was 11 years old when I finished my degree
Got my picture in the paper and my story on TV
To be so young and so amazing took a genius they were sure
I was the center of attention and my future was secure
Chorus:
I'm the boy wonder They all know my name
I'm the boy wonder but still I feel the same
They talk about boy wonder and the promise that it brings
But I'm the boy wonder and it doesn't mean a thing
So they asked me how I did it was I born a prodigy
I tell them anyone can do it if they live a life like me
Buried in the books while the others played outside
I learned all about scholastics and a father's selfish pride
CHORUS
I was told it was an honor when I made the Guinness book
So I opened up a copy I just thought I'd have a look
My perusal was revealing I still see it in my sleep
Haunted by the volume of the company I keep:
The largest ball of twine and the longest fingernails
People struck by lightning The fastest moving snails
Tallest totem pole and the longest loaf of bread
Most objects juggled while turning pirouettes
Largest jigsaw puzzle and the biggest piece of cheese
My years of study had earned a place with these ...
So I forfeited my childhood living in the public eye
And a paragraph in Guinness was my consolation prize
Now my choices lay before me with the future open wide
So when I graduated college I went back to Junior High
I'm the boy wonder but now I've changed my name
Because I've always wondered what it's like to be the same
No longer living under the attention that it brings
Yeah I was the boy wonder and it didn't mean a thing
Doodootdo ...