Fathers Son

“What does it mean to be a man... Does it mean to tough it out...”

“I’m tryin’ so hard, but it’s not easy sometimes…”

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I learned silence from a man who never cried

Eyes like stone, heart he locked up inside

He ain’t say much, but I read the pain

In his heavy breath and the whiskey stains

Calloused hands, but his soul was sore

He taught me how to fight, not what love was for

I used to think that’s just what men do

Hold it in, break down when no one sees you

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I’m my father’s son...

But I don’t wanna be numb

He raised me strong, but not whole

Told me “never lose control”

I’m my father’s son...

But I’m scared of who I’ve become

Tryna fix the man in the mirror

But he looks just like the one I run from

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Some of us had no dads—just echoes and ghosts

Uncles, brothers, coaches who were hurt the most

They showed love through discipline, silence, or pride

Told us “never fold,” but never showed how to cry

And now I laugh when I’m breaking

Say “I’m good” when I’m shaking

Hold my girl like I’m present

But inside, I’m vacant

I see the fear in my little brother’s eyes

When he feels weak, but don’t know why

So I’m tryna speak, even if my voice shakes

Break the chain, before another soul breaks

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What if strength was just...

Sayin’ “I need help, I’ve had enough”?

What if being a man...

Was healing pain with open hands?

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I’m my father’s son...

But I don’t wanna be numb

He raised me strong, but not whole

Told me “never lose control”

I’m my father’s son...

But I’m scared of who I’ve become

Tryna fix the man in the mirror

But he looks just like the one I run from

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Maybe I can be...

The father I needed…

Not the one I feared.

“Break the cycle." [echo fades out]