My Old Neighborhood

This is my old neighborhood. This is where I first was weened

When my father left us cold just a child of thirteen.

With four mouths at home to feed our poor family was broke

And no means to meet our needs I quit school to go to work.

And I swore to myself that one day I would get away

That I would never live like that again

That I'd do what it takes And learn from his mistakes

And build upon the broken rubble, hide the scars, ignore the troubles

But I remember mama and the lights in her eyes when she smiled

And how late at night she would come hold us tight

And say everything would be all right.

So I clawed and I foughton my way to the top

And my heart turned to ice and my guts turned to knots

Do you think that they ever thought to give us one small break?

Do you think that there was anyone who cared?

So I'll do what it takes and build on Dad's mistakes

Cash in on the broken rubble, hide the scars ignore the trouble.

Still, I remember Mama when the lights in her eyes went to grey

And how I made the vow, that someday and somehow

I'd make all the trouble go away.

This is my old neighborhood. This is where I first broke ground

And I will not rest at all 'til the past has fallen down.