life lessons

yes take your little hobbies
practice well and be well
rounded and keep your curves
your figure little piggy
your body is your greatest gift
the man the man that god hath planned
shall receive with joy

yes do your little work
place invisible trophies
into tiny cases in case
someday i’ll glance your way
and find some pride to spare
but know it’s unimportant
there are people starving out there

yes watch your mother’s example
as she slaves and loses sleep
and weight and time and hair
it’s her fault; i never wanted
these stringent rules, so many kids
god has called me to higher things
than the family i made
there are eight of you
and eight hundred of them

yes watch your tone
wear the longest skirts
don’t curse in public
it’s bad for our image
don’t dance where people can
see you don’t date unless
you’re married don’t go
to the movies
with your church friends

if you don’t do as i say
the churches will not pay
our family photo
is a matter of life or death
see all those starving people
they all rely on me
are their deaths worth you
having a good time
living a happy life
and what about us

this is where the money is
i can’t work for a boss
i shot my knees in ’93
dropped out of school
to shoot pool and snort cocaine
and chase girls and reo speedwagon
on the motorcycle that nearly killed me
with my friends in ohio
you’ll never have to feel that pain
you’ll never get to feel that high

please stay inside your box
don’t cry
daddy’s gotta go to work