"A Father's Lament" lyrics

Hey snoosh, it's your dad, just checkin' on you
Give me a call whenever you can or have some time

When I was no taller than four ol' feet
Wise ol' Daddy said to me
"Don't be too much, but don't be too little
If you wanna get out, live right in the middle"

I can't always save you, little girl
I can only pray this filthy world
Doesn't break you down piece by piece
Like all those people did to me
They'll comment, prod, and poke your skin
'Cause they just can't stand the sight of it
And I hope that's not your future, but just in case it is

Don't be too loud, our loud isn't their loud
Don't be too proud, girls like you can't be proud
Humble, smart, and patient, live those words like they're sacred
You're Black, baby girl, oh, don't waste it

When the dresses got smaller, smaller than me
Dear ol' Daddy cleared up some things
"Now that you're older, you've got to be smart
Don't give 'em one reason to hate you
Don't give 'em one reason to start"

I can't always save you, little girl
I can only pray this filthy world
Will lift you up and keep you safe
And you come home every day
They don't assume the worst in you
Just 'cause they don't match your hue
I hope that's not your future, but just in case it is

Don't be too loud, our loud isn't their loud
Don't be too proud, girls like you can't be proud
Humble, smart, and patient, live those words like they're sacred
You're Black, baby girl, uh-huh, don't waste it, don't waste it

And in fifteen years, I hope I don't give the same speech
To my little boy, Tommy, he likes race cars and Nikes
I hope I can save that little boy, he is just a kid, and so am I
Like all the ones before him who hurt and begged to just fit in
I pray this world can find its penance
I hope one day those kids can forgive it