Beatrix runs because she knows
That her heart beats like a vagabond's
Breathing hard and looking back -
Her past is breathing down her neck.
Up the hill, through gate
Cross a bridge
Oh, it is taking her away.

Mom and dad are fast asleep
And the sunrise creeping down the street
Wake up soon, but there's no note
She is gone, she's taken by the road
A little girl in a dress
Like a ghost, swallowed by the mist.

Don't tell me how to live my life
Or tell me how to be alive
Mama dear, daddy dear
You know I'll be alright
Of all those lessons you could teach
You failed to practice what you preach
Mama dear, daddy dear
I don't belong to you
I'm headed for the night.

Beatrix runs because she feels
There's a mire sucking at her heels
A prom queen dress, a waiting mould
And good girls do what they've been told
Up ahead there's a flash -
It is dawn - and she is gone.

Don't tell me how to live my life
Or tell me how to be alive
Mama dear, daddy dear
You know I'll be alright
Of all those lessons you could teach
You failed to practice what you preach
Mama dear, daddy dear
I'm leaving at first light.

And all those plans you made for me
The daughter I will never be
The soccer shoes and magazines
I'm leaving them behind
Those pictures hanging on the wall
Are telling me it's all my fault
But I can hear another voice
That's calling me away, away
Away.

Don't tell me how to live my life
Or tell me how to feel alive
Mama dear, daddy dear
You know I'll be alright
The road is waiting in the haze
The peaks and valleys of my days
And all I know is
Wherever I, where I may go
I'll be alright -
I'm headed for the night.