Lyrics

Chesterton Street

When I was young the children would stay
For hours and hours outdoors and they’d play
Outside on our street, they would all meet
Under the starlight on Chesterton Street,
Under the starlight on Chesterton Street.

The plum trees that lined all the sidewalks
Had fun snatching kites from the air,
Watching bicycle races with the sun on our faces
Earth under our feet and the wind in our hair.

Out in the moonlight we played kick the can,
Hiding behind bushes, we giggled and ran;
It was long after dark when Mom called us in,
The world was a safer place back then,
The world was a safer place back then.

On the weekends the cow pasture beckoned,
Across the street through the fence, we’d explore
Catching frogs and bugs and garter snakes
Through the creek and the mud what a mess we’d make.

Some of us children were feeling alone,
Weary and worn from the struggles at home,
But the light and the warmth of laughter and play
Would melt all the sadness and heartache away,
It melted the sadness and heartache away.

Come out, come out, wherever you are,
Ollie ollie oxen free,
Where are the children now?
Where do they hide?
They’re all playing video games inside.

I wish that today I could still see them play
For hours and hours like in my younger days
In the fresh open air, in their bare feet,
Just like the children on Chesterton Street,
I miss the children on Chesterton Street.