Yes, you’re absolutely right. He was a “boy” for his whole life, but that life was so short (because of his own foolish choices) that no one can ever know what some years may have brought. I’m not defending him by any stretch. I never even liked him or his music as far as that goes. As I said, the whole thing went directly to a conversation I’d had just last night. Two struggling Music Row songwriters opening up about how each of us had reacted/responded to our respective younger lives. Each one’s different experiences with the military and the efforts to “prove ourselves” to our Dads.
You’re right: the years would have brought a semblance of maturity or, as in the case of the average lib/socialist/marxist, lifelong immaturity and angry jealousy at the responsible, independent Americans.