When you're growing up in a smalltownWhen you're growing up in a smalltownWhen you're growing up in a smalltownYou say, no one famous ever came from hereWhen you're growing up in a smalltownAnd you're having a nervous breakdownAnd you think that you'll never escape itYourself or the place that you liveWhere did Picasso come fromThere's no Michelangelo coming from PittsburghIf art is the tip of the icebergI'm the part sinking belowWhen you're growing up in a smalltownBad skin, bad eyes, gay and fattyPeople look at you funnyWhen you're in a smalltownMy father worked in constructionIt's not something for which I'm suitedOh, what is something for which you are suitedGetting out of hereI hate being odd in a smalltownIf they stare let them stare in New York CityAs this pink eyed painting albinoHow far can my fantasy goI'm no Dali coming from PittsburghNo adorable lisping CapoteMy hero, oh, do you think I could meet him?I'd camp out at his front doorThere is only one good thing about smalltownThere is only one good use for a smalltownThere is only one good thing about smalltownYou know that you want to get outWhen you're growing up in a smalltownYou know you'll grow down in a smalltownThere is only one good use for a smalltownYou hate it and you'll know you have to leave