Letter to My Son
Malik... eighteen today. I was nineteen when I got you. Everything I know I learned a half-step ahead of you. This one's the talk I never knew how to give. Just listen. [Verse] You came when I was still a kid myself Learned to be a man by hand, no help First day of school I cried in the car Didn't let you see it — that's who we are [Chorus] Malik, go farther than the man you got (the man you got) Keep what I gave you, leave what I'm not Eighteen years — you raised me as I raised you Go farther than your father, son. That's overdue [Verse] I wasn't always there, I won't pretend Worked doubles, missed your games, made amends But you turned out steady, you turned out kind Got your mother's calm and a sharper mind [Chorus] Malik, go farther than the man you got (the man you got) Keep what I gave you, leave what I'm not Eighteen years — you raised me as I raised you Go farther than your father, son. That's overdue [Bridge] (yeah, Malik) They said a kid raising a kid won't last I just kept showing up, outran my past — look at you now. That's that [Final Chorus] Malik, go farther than the man you got (the man you got) Keep what I gave you, leave what I'm not Eighteen years — go be twice the man I am Go farther than your father, son. That's overdue [Outro] (yeah, Malik) That's overdue
