Hear Me

(Verse 1)

Mama raised me right in a small-town way,

Said, “Son, treat folks how you’d wanna be treated someday.”

“If you ain’t got nothin’ nice, don’t let it slip out your mouth,”

So I learned to bite my tongue down South.

Kept my cool, smiled through the pain,

Did my best not to complain,

But there’s only so much a man can take,

Before his silence starts to shake.

(Pre-Chorus)

Yeah, I tried to keep that peace,

Like Mama taught me to,

But sometimes holdin’ back

Just ain’t the thing to do.

(Chorus)

— [pause…]

Mama, I know what you used to say,

“If you ain’t got nothin’ nice, just walk away.”

… [beat of silence]

But no, I can’t do that today —

Y’all gotta hear what I gotta say.

I’ve been kind, I’ve been fair,

But don’t push me, I swear,

I can be meaner than you on a good day —

Yeah, y’all gotta hear what I gotta say.

(Verse 2)

I give respect ‘cause that’s how I was raised,

But cross that line, and I don’t play.

I’ll pray for you, but don’t mistake my calm,

I still got fire behind these palms.

Ain’t no shame in speakin’ truth,

That’s what livin’s taught me through and through.

Mama, I still hear your words so clear,

But you ain’t standin’ where I am here.

(Pre-Chorus)

I ain’t tryin’ to start no fight,

But I ain’t backin’ down tonight.

‘Cause silence don’t always make it right.

(Chorus)

— [pause…]

Mama, I know what you used to say,

“If you ain’t got nothin’ nice, just walk away.”

… [beat of silence]

But no, I can’t do that today —

Y’all gotta hear what I gotta say.

I’ve been kind, I’ve been fair,

But don’t push me, I swear,

I can be meaner than you on a good day —

Yeah, y’all gotta hear what I gotta say.

(Bridge)

Ain’t no hate, just honesty,

Tired of folks takin’ advantage of me.

You treat me right, I’ll treat you the same,

But I ain’t playin’ no foolish game.

(Final Chorus)

— [long pause…]

Mama, I know what you used to say,

“If you ain’t got nothin’ nice, don’t you let it escape.”

But no, I can’t hold back today —

Y’all gotta hear what I gotta say.

I’ll stand tall, come what may,

‘Cause the truth don’t fade away.

Yeah, I was raised on love and grace,

But y’all gotta hear what I gotta say.

(Outro)

I still treat everyone the way I should,

But don’t test me, I ain’t all good.

Mama, I love you, but times done changed —

Now y’all gotta hear what I gotta say.

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