(Verse 1)
Eighteen, stuck in this dead-end town, yeah, that was me
They all said I'd just settle down, for all eternity
Whispered 'bout my wild dreams, beat-up car, worn-out jeans
Packed my guitar, said "Adieu!" Knew my own path was true.
(Chorus)
So how 'bout now? Yeah, how 'bout now?
That kid you wrote off, taking his bow!
From the garage band to the big stage roar,
Guess who's knocking on fortune's door?
With busted strings and ripped up shoes,
I played my heart out, paid my dues.
Yeah, how 'bout now? Feeling the sting?
Guess the small town kid became a king!
(Verse 2)
Remember prom queen, Jessica, with her perfect smile?
Said I wasn't her type, just a punk, not worth her while.
Now she's sending DMs, "Hey, remember me?"
Funny how the top view changes what you see.
The band's on fire, selling out shows,
Everywhere the good times flow.
(Chorus)
So how 'bout now? Yeah, how 'bout now?
That kid you wrote off, taking his bow!
From the garage band to the big stage roar,
Guess who's knocking on fortune's door?
With busted strings and ripped up shoes,
I played my heart out, paid my dues.
Yeah, how 'bout now? Feeling the sting?
Guess the small town kid became a king!
(Bridge)
They tried to box me in, tried to break my will,
But a punk rock heart, it's never still.
Critics sneered, the old guard frowned,
But the mosh pit moved to my new sound.
(Guitar Solo)
(Fast, melodic, and aggressive pop-punk solo with a catchy, triumphant feel. Think Green Day meets Sum 41.)
(Chorus)
So how 'bout now? Yeah, how 'bout now?
That kid you wrote off, taking his bow!
From the garage band to the big stage roar,
Guess who's knocking on fortune's door?
With busted strings and ripped up shoes,
I played my heart out, paid my dues.
Yeah, how 'bout now? Feeling the sting?
Guess the small town kid became a king!
(Outro)
Yeah, how 'bout now?! (How 'bout now?!)
Still standing tall! (Still standing tall!)
Small town king! (Yeah!)
How 'bout now?!
(Fade out with distorted guitar feedback and drum hits)