The Talk

THE TALK Performed by Shemekia Copeland Lyrics by John Hahn Music by Will Kimbrough I held my breath when you took your first steps I was as proud as a mama could get Now it's been years you've grown tall But I'm still worried you're gonna fall Got to have the talk Got to have the talk You might do nothin' wrong The next moment you'll be gone Got to have the talk Not everyone loves you or respects you're a man There's hate in this world we don't understand These days you only get one mistake So listen to me it's your life at stake Got to have the talk Got to have the talk You might do nothin' wrong The next moment you'll be gone Got to have the talk Words no mama wants to say But I don't wanna lose you someday It's as cruel as life can get When a child looks like a threat If you're walking down the street Or drivin' in your car When you get stopped Remember who you are And if your nerves start to crack Whatever you do don't talk back All it takes is one mistake And your mama's heart's gonna break Gotta have the talk We're life and death Before it's your last breath As sure as you're black There's a target on your back