Don't Shut Me Down

A while ago, I heard the sound of children's laughter
Now it's quiet, so I guess they left the park
This wooden bench is getting harder by the hour
The sun is going down, it's getting dark

I realize I'm cold, the rain begins to pour
As I watch the windows on the second floor
The lights are on, it's time to go (ooh)
It's time at last to let him know

I believe it would be fair to say
"You look bewildered"
And you wonder why I'm here today
And so you should, I would

When I left, I felt I've had enough
But in the shape and form I appear now
I have learned to cope, and love and hope
Is why I am here now

And now you see another me, I've been reloaded, yeah
I'm fired up, don't shut me down
I'm like a dream within a dream that's been decoded
I'm fired up, I'm hot, don't shut me down

I'm not the one you knew, I'm now and then combined
And I'm asking you to have an open mind (and I won't be the same)
I'm not the same this time around (ooh)
I'm fired up, don't shut me down

Will you leave me standing in the hall
Or let me enter?
The apartment hasn't changed at all
I've got to say I'm glad

Once these rooms were witness to our love
My tantrums and increasing frustration
But I go from mad to not so bad
In my transformation (so now)

And now you see another me, I've been reloaded, yeah
I'm fired up, don't shut me down (don't shut me down)
I'm like a dream within a dream that's been decoded
I'm fired up, I'm hot, don't shut me down

I am not the one you knew (I'm not the one you knew)
I'm now and then combined
And I'm asking you to have an open mind (and I'll not be the same)
I'm not the same this time around (ooh)
I'm fired up, don't shut me down

You ask me not to leave, well, here I am again
And I love you still, and so I won't pretend
I have learned to cope, and love and hope
Is why I am here now