First & Then

First you lose yourself in wonder

Then you think you're in control

Next, the more you know, the more you ponder

And then you learn to let it go

First you want to seem older

And hide away your innocence

Now when someone says you look much younger

You take that as a compliment

But don't you think it's rather sad

That time's not the greatest advisor

You learn as much as you forget

So in the end you won't be much wiser

First they teach you to be modest

And then you hit so hard you crack

Next they will attack you if you're honest

And then you learn to take it back

You're taught to work by the sweat of your brow

And to do better than your best

Next you work so hard you're snowed under

And then you learn to take some rest

But don't you think it's rather sad

That time's not the greatest advisor

You learn as much as you forget

So in the end you won't be much wiser

First they teach you to be patient

Then you learn there's not much time

Next you no longer want to hurry

And you try to just enjoy the ride