Silhouettes above the cradle hold me down
They won't let me go the wrong way
My mother taught me all the fables, told me how
In the end all the sinners have to payBut I don't wanna live like my Mother
I don't wanna let fear rule my life
And I don't wanna live like my Father
I don't wanna give up before I dieHe worked so hard his bones are breakin'
He wore them down but long ago he lost the feelin'
His good intentions leave me shakin', show me how
I don't ever want to end up like he didAnd I don't wanna live like my Mother
I don't wanna let fear rule my life
And I don't wanna live like my Father
I don't wanna give up before I dieWhen I have kids
I won't put any chains on their wrists, I won't
I'll tell them this
There's nothing in this world
That you can't be if you want it enoughI don't wanna live like my Mother
I don't wanna let fear rule my life
And I don't wanna live like my Father
I don't wanna give up before I dieI don't wanna live like my Mother
I don't wanna let fear rule my life
I don't wanna live like my Father
I don't wanna give up before I die