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 sun swept poolside riches.
He met a girl who wore Versace, pink feathered coats, and jumbo jewelry.
Gonna be a hoop phenomenon,
He’s gonna be Hakeem Olajuwan.
He’s got a gold Camaro,
He said over the payphone.
I try to 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 onto.
But I settle for a ghost.
When I was from N.O.L.A.,
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 f*cking 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 onto.
But I settle for a ghost.