Lyrics Page
How To Grow Up Big And Strong
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Aug 7, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Song Meaning
Rich Mullins' 'How To Grow Up Big And Strong' is a reflective song that critiques the world's definition of strength and power. It contrasts the 'strong man' who conquers, dominates, and survives through force with a deeper, unspoken truth about love. The lyrics observe how children are taught to emulate this aggressive model of strength, while the world continues its relentless cycle. Mullins subtly points to a different way, hinting at the absence of love in this pursuit of power. The song invites listeners to question what true strength means, suggesting that real growth might lie beyond the world's violent and self-reliant ideals.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Strong man strangle universe
He drown the stars
Blinded by the mission of a thousand wars
He fit and dominant
Not wonder why
He heed the battle cry
Strong man is survivor
He live to pound
Little wooden crosses in the bloody ground
He fit and dominant
He stand a chance
He not bound to circumstance
And the world keep on turning
And the sun keep on burning
And the children keep learning
How to grow up big and strong
How to grow up big and strong
Strong man take no prisoner
Favor no plea
He leave no gold in teeth of enemy
He fit and dominant
He rise above
He not have the word that mean love
And the world keep on turning
And the sun keep on burning
And the children keep learning
How to grow up big and strong
How to grow up big and strong
Strong man beat the plowshare
He forges sword
He take the flower and he curse the thorn
He crush the serpent
He bite the fruit
His hand is absolute
And the world keep on turning
And the sun keep on burning
And the children keep learning
How to grow up big and strong
How to grow up big and strong
How to grow up big and strong
How to grow up big and strong
How to grow up big and strong
(Growing up big and strong)
(Growing up big and strong)
(Growing up big and strong)
(Growing up big and big and strong)