What did your father say to you
When he reached right through you
Did he say the things 
We had learned from his father too
So when do you become your own man
Become your own
Or are you just a shadow of something whole

We are Chinese boxes
Equal parts sweat and blood
Where do I begin and end up
Saw those eyes staring right back upon me

So tell me what you need
I'll be watching out for you
There are no enemies
Only dangerous friends
You grew up really fast
I didn't think I'd miss a thing
Cause nothing ever lasts

A wise old man
A wise young fool
A wise young man
A wise old fool

Try to understand
(A wise old man, a wise young fool)
(Notice me, comfort me, understand me)
Just try to understand
(A wise old man, a wise young fool)
(Notice me, comfort me, understand me)

What'd your father say to you
To turn you cold
Father never quite grew up
He just grew old
And if I was to say to you
You know I love him still
Would you think less of me
From hating me

We are Chinese boxes
Equal parts sweat and blood
We are so unconscious
Saw those old eyes staring right back at me

So try to understand
I'm just like you and you are me
Exactly who I am
Might escape you always
For fortunes of a man
Are the debts of the son always

A wise old man
A wise young fool
A wise young man
A wise old fool