I see him everyday when he comes into the café where I work. He's been coming there as long as I've worked there... almost 5 years now. We're both close to turning 21, but he seems older than he really is. That's not a surprise, considering the life he's led.
I know who he is, or rather, who he was. We don't talk much about the past, but I recognized him instantaneously, even though he's changed from when his face was plastered all over my walls. Gone are the days of bulletproof marshmallows, yellow doc martens, orange pants, and screaming girls. He left that life five years ago.
He's grown up much to fast to still live the life he once lived. Too many people wanting things from him, too many offering things to him, too many screaming his name. Too much pressure for him to deal with, I suppose. MTV said the band was "calling it quits because of personal reasons" but he confided in me that he'd grown tired of it long before then. He grew tired of doing what he loved. So tired, he gave it up to have a normal life. To be an average seventeen year old boy.
They were recording their last album when he told he wasn't going to do it anymore. They were mad at him for a little while, his brothers I mean, but I think they were relieved it was finally over. They'd given 5 years of their lives and it was time. They did finish the album though. They named it "Good Bye" and ironically, it sold more than their debut album. Figures, huh?
I met him once when I was eleven. He's changed so much since then. He's grown to be almost 6'3" and he looks like a linebacker. His once long blond hair is now cut short, barely grazing his ears. If eyes are truly the windows to your soul, even I could see a tired man. Caramel eyes that had been dulled from the years of faking happiness for the cameras. They all but lost their signature sparkle. But he's still the same...
His sarcastic wit still gains him glares from the older patrons, and the younger part time waitresses, not knowing who he once was, still whisper, "Oh my god, he's so hot!" His smile still lights up even the darkest room and no matter what kind of mood they are in, his infectious giggle brings laughter from everyone. He's still able to cheer me up with one smile, even from across the café. They say fame changes people, but I don't agree.
And now we're grown up orphans
That never knew their names
We don't belong to no one
That's a shame
But if you could hide beside me
Maybe for a while
And I won't tell no one your name
And I won't tell em your name
Scars are souvenirs you never lose
The past is never far
Did you lose yourself somewhere out there
Did you get to be a star
And don't it make you sad to know that life
Is more than who we are
You grew up way too fast
And now there's nothing to believe
And reruns all become our history
A tired song keeps playing on a tired radio
And I won't tell no one your name
And I won't tell em your name
I think about you all the time
But I don't need the same
It's lonely where you are come back down
And I won't tell em your name
"Name" The Goo Goo Dolls