As long as Nelson was socked into baseball statistics or that guitar or even the rock records that threaded their sound through all the fibers of the house, his occupation of the room down the hall was no more uncomfortable than the persistence of Rabbit's own childhood in an annex of his brain; but when the stuff with hormones and girls and cars and beers began, Harry wanted out of fatherhood.
The passage highlights Rabbit's internal conflict as he navigates his role as a father while dealing with the pressures of adulthood. Nelson's immersion in baseball statistics and music provides a familiar backdrop that is both comforting and reminiscent of Rabbit's own childhood experiences. This connection seems to soften the discomfort Rabbit feels in his parenting role, allowing him to reflect on his past without resentment.
However, as Rabbit confronts the complexities of adolescence—symbolized by hormones, relationships, and lifestyle choices—he begins to feel overwhelmed. The excitement and chaos of his son Nelson's life push Rabbit to reconsider his responsibilities, leading him to desire an escape from fatherhood. This struggle emphasizes the challenges of growing up and the difficulties of maintaining familial bonds amidst changing dynamics.