Song of the night: “Return The Boy” by The Spongetones

I’ve gone on about The Spongetones and their amazing first album “Beat And Torn” at length here already. This is my favorite song from their second album, 1991’s “Oh Yeah!” Written and sung by Jamie Hoover.

The scene’s relaxed, the stories flow
About a time of which I wish I knew you then
Appears so restful when you sing to me
Where does the little boy run off to hide?

He seems so happy and so strong
He seems so uncomplicated
Then he turns into a man that is so sad and jaded
How does this happen to him?
Return the boy

Return the boy
Yeah, the boy in the mirror
He’s inside looking out
He knows the man in the reflection
Can’t look into your eyes like a kid can

Just when I know I can’t go on
A warm hand pinches on my shoulder again
The smiles return, all is forgotten
The little child is knocking on my door again

Why have you been away so long?
The lines of care wash away
Then the lines return into a twisted tangle
Why does this happen to you?
Return the boy

He seems so happy and so strong
He seems so uncomplicated

Return the boy
Yeah, the boy in the mirror
He’s inside looking out
He knows the man in the reflection
Can’t look into your eyes like a kid can