From Emperor to citizen, the speaker's attitude towards his childhood years was unsatisfied and unhappy.
He graved for change from a person who's life is less to complex to simplier one. He's childhood years was full of dreams that he wants to be a man with power like an emperor, but indeed like an ordinary citizen.
I believe this is the same concept of " never judge a book by it's cover" simply meaning you should never judge someone because of their outward appearance or actions, you don't know what is going on in there lives.
Not enough info!!! Plz put more info.
