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Growing Older But Not Up

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[Intro]
G#m7    A     B      E
[Verse]
EI rounded first never thought of the worst
As I Bstudied the shortstop's position
B7Crack went my leg like the shell of an egg      
Someone Ecall a decent physician
AI'm no Pete Rose,G#m7I can't preAtend
Though my mind is quite Eflexible, these B7brittle bones don't Ebend
[Chorus]
I'm growing Eolder but not up
My metabolic B7rate is pleasantly stuck
Let those wG#m7inds of time blow Aover my head
I'd rather Bdie while I'm living than live B7while IE'm deadB7  
[Verse]
ESometimes I see me as an old manatee
Headin' Bsouth as the waters grow colder
B7Tries to steer clear of the hum-drum so near
It cuts Eprop scars deep in his shoulder
But Athat's how it goes (that's how it goes), G#m7right to the eAnd 
Though his body's quite Eflexible, that bB7arnacle brain don't Ebend
[Chorus]
I'm growing Eolder but not up
My metabolic B7rate is pleasantly stuck
Let those G#m7winds of time blow oAver my head   
I'd rather Bdie while I'm living than live B7while IE'm deadB7  
[Solo]
Now Edon't get me wrong
EThis is not a sad song
Just evBents that I have happened to witness
And B7time takes its toll as we head for the poll
And no Eone dies from physical fitness
So Awhat the hell, we'll take it G#m7right to the Aend
As the days grow more Ecomplicated the B7nightlife still Ewins
[Chorus]
I'm growing Eolder but not up
My metabolic B7rate is pleasantly stuck  
Let those G#m7winds of change blow Aover my head   
I'd rather Bdie while I'm living than live B7while EI'm deB7ad
Let those G#m7winds of time blow Aover my head  
I'd rather Bdie while I'm living than AliG#m-ve F#mwhilEe B7I'm Edead

All chords in this song (7)

The story behind the song

This song embodies the spirit of Jimmy Buffett's "island escapism" persona, blending country, rock, folk, and calypso into a tropical music sound. It reflects his signature theme of enjoying life and following passions, even as time passes. The lyrics playfully suggest a refusal to fully embrace the seriousness of adulthood. It's a tune that encourages you to channel a carefree attitude, no matter your age.

AI-written from these sources:Jimmy Buffett — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

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Growing Older But Not Up

by Jimmy Buffett

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

G#m7

G#m

F#m

[Intro]

G#m7 A B E

[Verse]

I rounded first never thought of the worst

As I studied the shortstop's position

Crack went my leg like the shell of an egg

Someone call a decent physician

A G#m7 A

I'm no Pete Rose,I can't pretend

E B7 E

Though my mind is quite flexible, these brittle bones don't bend

[Chorus]

I'm growing older but not up

My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck

G#m7 A

Let those winds of time blow over my head

B B7 E B7

I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead

[Verse]

Sometimes I see me as an old manatee

Headin' south as the waters grow colder

Tries to steer clear of the hum-drum so near

It cuts prop scars deep in his shoulder

A G#m7 A

But that's how it goes (that's how it goes), right to the end

E B7 E

Though his body's quite flexible, that barnacle brain don't bend

[Chorus]

I'm growing older but not up

My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck

G#m7 A

Let those winds of time blow over my head

B B7 E B7

I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead

[Solo]

Now don't get me wrong

This is not a sad song

Just events that I have happened to witness

And time takes its toll as we head for the poll

And no one dies from physical fitness

A G#m7 A

So what the hell, we'll take it right to the end

E B7 E

As the days grow more complicated the nightlife still wins

[Chorus]

I'm growing older but not up

My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck

G#m7 A

Let those winds of change blow over my head

B B7 E B7

I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead

G#m7 A

Let those winds of time blow over my head

B A G#m F#m E B7 E

I'd rather die while I'm living than li-ve while I'm dead

About Growing Older But Not Up Chords by Jimmy Buffett

Learn how to play Growing Older But Not Up by Jimmy Buffett with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Growing Older But Not Up chords”, “Growing Older But Not Up guitar chords”, or “Jimmy Buffett Growing Older But Not Up chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Growing Older But Not Up chords and for experienced players who want accurate Growing Older But Not Up lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G#m7, A, B, E, B7, G#m.

FAQ — Growing Older But Not Up by Jimmy Buffett

How do I play "Growing Older But Not Up" by Jimmy Buffett on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Growing Older But Not Up" by Jimmy Buffett on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Growing Older But Not Up" by Jimmy Buffett free?

Yes. The chords for "Growing Older But Not Up" by Jimmy Buffett are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Growing Older But Not Up" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Growing Older But Not Up" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Growing Older But Not Up"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Growing Older But Not Up" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Growing Older But Not Up" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Growing Older But Not Up" by Jimmy Buffett with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Jimmy Buffett below.

What key is "Growing Older But Not Up" in?

The chords for "Growing Older But Not Up" show the original chord names (including G#m7, A, B, E, B7, G#m). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.