They Walked Away

My mama left, no last goodbye

My daddy vanished in the sky

But two old hands reached down for me

They gave me strength, they set me free

We didn’t have a pile of gold

Just warmth to fight against the cold

They taught me how to stand up tall

And rise again each time I fall

I’m not the one who walked away

I’m what was built when they betrayed

I’m not the blood that turned to shame

I’m what they left — and I became

I learned to work, I learned to fight

To speak the truth and do what’s right

They gave me hope and steady ground

And showed me how to stand my sound

I’m not the one who walked away

I’m what was built when they betrayed

I’m not the blood that turned to shame

I’m what they left — and I became

Now when I speak, I speak with pride

They kept me safe, they never lied

They raised me up through loss and flame

And gave me more than just a name

I’m not the one who walked away

I’m what was built when they betrayed

I’m not the blood that turned to shame

I’m what they left — and I became

I’m what they left…

And I became.