to my son
you son of a gun
why do you
always be on the run
is that workin' for you?
does that seem like fun?

you're only 16
what does Life mean
if you're always in jail
without no bail?

hell
learn to spell
learn to know
wrong from right
learn to show
that you just might
be a man someday
anyway
think about this
'cause this how it be
hope you can see
and learn from me

"if i do this
then i get that"
is that what you want
i know that you don't

this week
we go to court
to seek
some support
for you
that's what we do

we
your mom & me
and you
we say
whatever we may
but that day
it be what it be

it's up to the judge
who might not fudge
on sendin' you away
no matter what we say
what can we say
your mom
nor
i
nor you
what can we do?

you keep makin' mistakes
Lord knows i'v made mine
guesss we do what it takes
to get ourselves in line

but this time, son,
it's outta' my hand
you done what you done
so now
somehow,
we just take a stand
try to understand
it's time to be a man

the $ & sense
of it all
they fall
on your mom & me
but can you see
just how things be?

it's up to you
to do what you do
that be true
i know that makes you blue
but hey,
what can we say?
it's up to you
afterall,
what can your mom & i do
we can't take the fall
for you!

you've had your choices
and your choices you've made
you've heard your voices
now it's in your bed you're laid

you ask me the next day
after you were in jail
and i couldn't make your bail
"dad... why do i always get caught?"
what could i say
except this anyway...
"if you don't do
things to get caught
then you
ought not get caught
you're be'in caught
ain't my fault.
you bought what you bought"

so you be in jail
without no bail
we go to court
this week
you got my support
if support you seek

but it's now
outta' my hand
but know son
somehow
behind you i stand

know son
you son of a gun
it's all in the judges's hand
so stand up and be a man

but i'll always
be here for you
that's what i says
that's what i do
son... i love you
and that be true