Well I feel just like a child
Yeah I feel just like a child
Well I feel just like a child
Well I feel just like a child

From my womb to my tomb
I guess I'll always be a child
Well some people try and treat me like a man
Yeah some people try and treat me like a man

Well I guess they just don't understand
Well some people try and treat me like a man
They think I know shit
But that's just it

I'm a child
Well I need you to tell me what to wear
Yeah I need you to help me comb my hair
Yeah I need you to come and tie my shoes

Yeah I need you to come and keep me amused
From my cave to my grave
I guess I'll always be a child
Well I need you to help me reach the door

And I need you to walk me to the store
And I need you to please explain the war
And I need you to heal me when I'm sore
You can tell by my smile

That I'm a child
And I need you to sit me on your lap
And I need you to make me take my nap
Could you first pull out a book and

Read me some of that
Cause I need you to make me take my nap
And I need you to recognize my friends
Cause they're there even though

You don't see them
They got their own chair, plate, and a seat
You know I won't touch my food
Unless they eat

From the roof to the floor
I crawl around some more
I'm a child
And I need you to help me blow my nose

And I need you to help me count my toes
And I need you to help me put on my clothes
And I need you to hide it when it shows
From be my daddy's sperm

To being packed in an urn
I'm a child
And when I steal you gotta
Slap me til I cry

Don't you stop til the tears run dry
See I was born thinking under the sky
I didn't belong to a couple of old wise guys
From sucking on my mama's breast

To when they lay my soul to rest
I'm a child
Well I guess I'm always be


Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings

I Feel Just Like a Child Lyrics as written by Devendra Banhart

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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I Feel Just Like a Child song meanings
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17 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    "See I was born thinking all under the sky Didn't belong to a couple of white guys"

    To me, this is a deeply sarcastic song. Either way, the narrator is a bit of a jerk. Taking it the sarcastic route, however, you can see why: we live in a society that idolizes youth; increasing amounts of "children" are living with their parents as adults. They are controlled by a society (the "couple of white guys" that own everything) that has a vested interest in keeping them this way--they spend their money on such toys as games, laptops, cell phones, and cars; they ignore and accept unnecessary wars and unelected presidents. There's more, but I'll leave someone else to connect the rest of the dots. I've got work to do. :)

    nanobodyon May 25, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    no i dont think this is about preserving your innoncence, since the narrotor is being such a jerk- he obviously is bitter and annoyed. sort of his response to someone whos trying to change him, make him more acceptable, presentable or what have you, (the reprimand "grow up for once, why don't you, confront reality) and he's replying stubbornly, no you know what, i'm going to continue being like this, since i'm such a child. he repeats "and i need you" so much, that's its a bitter/sarcastic response to a criticism of being juvenile or immature. stop trying to help me so much, i don't need it. the music is also deceptively upbeat. i dont know, i thats my feeling.

    hm234on July 30, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    it's about the government, but it reminds me of my parents.

    mylastnameishorrificallyaccurateon September 27, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    obviously doesn't need to be analysed. this song is it.

    vulvaloveon September 19, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    obviously doesn't need to be analysed. this song is it.

    vulvaloveon September 19, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    snerk. it seems like mr. banhart's a bit kinky. more snerk

    pumkinhedon September 28, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    this song is funny! 'dada' ^__-

    My favourite line is about the invisiable friends. But he's really good at remembering all the little things like counting his toes and getting somebody to tie his laces.

    seems he was thinking about birth & kids alot on 'cripple crow' maybe he wants a child..

    tigersroamfreeon November 12, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    one of my few devendra's songs that i don't like at least has some honest lyrics about men's difficulty on groing up.At least he say's it when we know that it's true for the 90% of them.So he escapes his responsibillities by manifestating his act.but his way of singing is the best thing on the song.

    veruskaon October 06, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    m again.i actually heard the song another 3 times today and i've changed my mind.wow it's fucking funny !!now i love the boogie music.it's ace!

    veruskaon October 06, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I think he points out that we should be more like children.. when it all comes down to it- "please explain the war!" Kinda like being loaded on ACID!

    tarzan05on October 28, 2006   Link

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