Lyrics- Do we really understand them???

So today I was out in the car listening to my favorite radio station WODS 103.3. They had finally stopped playing Christmas music (which I was happy about...you can only listen to "Carol of the bells" by Mannheim Steamroller so many times.)

As I was listening they played "Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John. As I was singing along (which is what I do when I am alone in the car) I realized that I didn't really know all the words to the song and in actuality had been making up what I thought could POSSIBLY be them. So when I got home I looked up the words to this well known (not lyrically known) song.

Ladies and Gentleman: The REAL words to "Philadelphia Freedom" along with what I used to think they were (in italics.)

I used to be a rolling stone
You know, if the cause was right
I'd leave to find the answer on the road
(ok no issues at the beginning....)

I used to be a heart beating for someone
(I used to be hard beaten cole-so son- I know... makes no sense)

But the times have changed
The less I say the more my work gets done

Cause I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom
(Caused I never dreamed that Philadelphia Freedom)
From the day that I was born I've waved the flag
(From the day that I was more to wait in line...I thought this was a political statement.)
Philadelphia freedom took me knee-high to a man
(................................... took me knee-high to the mat)
Yeah gave me peace of mind my daddy never had

(And the peace of mama, daddy never gave)

Oh Philadelphia freedom shine on me, I love you
Shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind
(.................Hoodie, I wouldn't walk far behind...not sure who Hoodie was.)
Shine a light shine a light
Shine a light won't you shine a light
Philadelphia freedom I love you, yes I do

(no issues here. Thanks for speaking English Elton.)

If you choose to you can live your life alone
(If you choose it you can live a life at home...ok I was close)
Some people choose the city
Some others choose the good old family home
(I like the good old family tone...I had no idea what Elton meant by this)
I like living easy without family ties
(I like living easy with my family types..again, close.)
Till the whippoorwill of freedom zapped me
Till the whipping willow tree is shining)
(If Elton knew how to speak English this would've been easier)
Right between the eyes

So there you go...remember I was 10 when this song came out. Next time I will really challenge ourselves and try "Jumpin' Jack Flash" by the Stones!