Young Johnson

Young Johnson
12/15/2003
by Lorne Clarke copyright 2003

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Based on a true story. Something to reflect on when you dismiss school yard bullying as "part of growing up".

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Young Johnson arrived at that age in between
Mother and manhood - he was all of fifteen
And each girl that smiled was the girl of his dreams
A typical boy - whatever that means

Young Johnson fell hard for the girl down the street
He told her a secret she promised to keep
But knowledge is power - and the first taste is sweet
She told a few friends - if you know what I mean

It's cruel wind that drives you to the edge
It's a cruel wind you're sure never will end

Young Johnson arrived at the school unaware
Of the teasing and taunting that awaited him there
And they just wouldnšt stop though they had him in tears
He ran from the school in the depths of despair

Young Johnson fell hard into panic and dread
His world had exploded - he could see nothing left
For the very first time he was close to the edge
And the thought of that girl sent a pain through his head

It's cruel wind that drives you to the edge
It's a cruel wind you're sure never will end

Young Johnson arrived at the end of his rope
Confusion was total he was lost and alone
As the darkness crept in with the rain coming down
He stood near the tracks on the outskirts of town

Young Johnson fell hard in front of a train
They recovered his body the following day
He parents were weeping - they could not explain
And the kids at the school siad he was insane

It's cruel wind that drives you to the edge
It's a cruel wind youšre sure never will end

Young Johnson arrived in a box on his back
His family was joined by the kids from his class
And the girl down the street looked lovely in black
She stood with her friends and they all acted sad

Young Johnson fell hard while still in his teens
A young boy in school - a romantic it seems
And each girl that smiled was the girl of his dreams
A typical boy - if you know what I mean

It's cruel wind that drives you to the edge
It's a cruel wind you're sure never will end