The Other Side of Paradise

When I was young and stupid

My love left to be a rock and roll star

He told me, "Please don't worry"

Wise little smile that spoke so safely

He booked a one-way ticket

Out west, that's where they make it

Six kids stuck in a bedsit

To sunswept poolside riches

He met a girl who wore Versace

Pink feather coats and jumbo jewelry

Gonna be a hoop phenomenon

He's gonna be Hakeem Olajuwon

He's got a gold Camaro

He said over the payphone

I try and keep my cool but

My life turns in slow motion

Bye-bye, baby blue

I wish you could see the wicked truth

Caught up in a rush, it's killing you

Screaming at the sun you blow into

Curled up in a grip when we were us

Fingers in a fist like you might run

I settle for a ghost I never knew

Super paradise I held on to

But I settle for a ghost

Where I was from, in NOLA

No one left to be a rock and roll star

He'd stay and treat his lady

Give everything to his new baby

I miss him, don't you blame me?

That boy went stone cold crazy

Caught up in camera lust, he's

Chasing that pappy pipe dream

I know you don't, but I

I know you don't, but I still try

My thunder shook him down

My thunder came and shook him down

That girl is gone, but I

That girl is gone, but I still try

I think it's over now

The bullet hit but maybe not

I feel so fucking numb

It hits my head and I feel numb

My body's looking wrong

My body's looking wrong

My body's looking wrong

Bye-bye, baby blue

I wish you could see the wicked truth

Caught up in a rush, it's killing you

Screaming at the sun you blow into

Curled up in a grip when we were us

Fingers in a fist like you might run

I settle for a ghost I never knew

Super paradise I held on to

But I settle for a ghost