So Afraid

All the kids run around playing free and fun

While the dogs lap around the can

Fallin' down, climbin' trees, swimmin' in the river

No life jacket on their backs

Daughters sharpen their knives and they hunt for food

Others watch their children grow

Mothers go into work and they shake the hands

Of a corporate tycoon's ghost

And I'm afraid, ah

I'm so afraid, ah

What if I lose?

Is what I think to myself

I'm fine in my shell

I'm afraid of it all, afraid of loving you

I'm a gift and a curse to the wilderness

When the leaves only turn to brown

The birds fly high and they wink at all

Of the grandmothers on the ground

Rain pours down in the village dens

My cousins fetch for lunch

While I sit in my room writing letters to

My church and things and such

'Cause I'm afraid, ah

I'm so afraid, ah

What if I lose?

Is what I think to myself

I'm fine in my shell

I'm afraid of it all, afraid of lovin' you

Cousins are in the creek

Friday night, write a 'zine

When the rain pours down

The ghetto dancin', yeah

I'm so afraid, ah

I'm so afraid, ah

What if I lose?

Is what I think to myself

Fine in my shell

I'm afraid of it all, afraid of lovin' you

I'm afraid, afraid of lovin' you

Cousins are in the creek

Ridin' high, write a 'zine

And the rain pours down

The ghetto dancin', yeah