Dear Dad

I know it's been a minute since we talked

And I've been thinking 'bout you a lot

My mind's been living in rot

So I wrote some things down just to see what you thought

Or maybe I'm stirring the pot

Maybe I feel like I'm hot

Like I'm really 'bout to put you on the spot

Ask you why you never fought for me

I know what you're gonna say"The courts favor moms" Yeah, uh-huh, okay"I tried my best" Ooh, you're so cliché"It was you and Mom who left"

But I needed you, okay?

That's right, Dad

I needed you

You were the man, and I know you knew what she would do

And I heard about the way you feel she treated you

So how I'm just five, you go ghost you Beetlejuice

And I got all these things I wanna say

But I can't seem to say them to your face

I don't think it matters anyway

We are who we are, I know

Wasn't easy growing up

Felt like everywhere I turned there were dads showing up

Had me questioning if I'm enough

Lost in the void of being vulnerable and tough

I was out here seeking validation

Looking for morality in some dark places

Managing my anger and burdens a boy faces

No role models to teach me about patience

Or how to throw a ball

Couple little things that seem so small

Like how to tie a tie, how to ride a bike

How to deal with bullies, how to treat your wife

Speaking of, I heard you got a new one

Y'all got a nice house out in Durham

Man, I hope things work out for you, bro

No? Damn. You reap what you sow

And I got all these things I wanna say

But I can't seem to say them to your face

I don't think it matters anyway

We are who we are, I know

Dear Dad

I try to believe you want the best for me

I'd like to think that this was all a test for me

I'm the age you were, got me thinking 'bout my legacy

Maybe you weren't ready for a kid

If I was you, I might've done what you did

But after living with the pain

And the trauma of a wannabe father

I'm never gonna dip out

On my son or my daughter

Even still, I forgive you

After years of therapy, I'm equipped to

If you ever wanna continue

Whatever I can do, I will do

And I'm not saying all this to cause issues

I just can't let it sit like mildew

So I thought that I would bring it up with you

It's not too late to be a dad to my kids too

And I got all these things I wanna say

But I can't seem to say them to your face

I don't think it matters anyway

We are who we are, I know