Fathers, 2004 - Sho Baraka, Amisho Baraka Lewis

I’m a lover, a provider

I’m a teacher, I’m a fighter

I know there’s grace for me even when I’m wrong

Through all my indiscretions and all my imperfections I’m a love you till the

day that I’m gone

How do you spell dad?

It goes L-O-V-E

How do you spell dad?

It goes L-O-V-E

Son in the land of the passive make sure that you man up

When introduced to a lady its always proper to stand up

Never talk behind the back of someone you’re not a fan of

Know when the cops approach you, you might have to put your hands up

Respect all people and show honor to the king

No matter what they think the Lord created all human beings

Be critical, but never partner with defiance

Be happy with who you are all alone in the silence

Pray without ceasing, but keep your eyes on the system

Always speak up for the weak until somebody listens

Don’t marry her if you don’t plan to bury her

If you sweep her off her feet then learn how to carry her

Through thick and thin you know we gon hold it down

Through good or bad you know we gon stick around

I’m a lover, a provider

I’m a teacher, I’m a fighter

I know there’s grace for me even when I’m wrong

Through all my indiscretions and all my imperfections I’m a love you till the

day that I’m gone

How do you spell dad?

It goes L-O-V-E

How do you spell dad?

It goes L-O-V-E

Baby girl make sure your kings a better man than me

You better believe I know that may be hard to achieve

You’re beautiful, I will always remind you

Never let the culture’s idea of beauty define you

Baby girl don’t be easily impressed

Stay clothed in righteousness cause it’s harder to undress

I’m tryna raise the next Lena Horne

Fannie Lou Hamer a lady who can bring reform

Be wise and strong

Don’t be a side chick for the ride along

Always be humble whether right or wrong

And know I’ll be here when your friends are gone

When your friends are gone

If you want love, get love

If you need love, spread love

Yeah, I got new goals its family business I handle now

The kind of stuff that brothers over thirty be bragging 'bout

Tell my son that he’s more than some target practice

Tell my daughter that she’s more than an extension to a mattress

Never reach a goal by pulling others down

Royalty is much more than a throne and a crown

Your knees should be hurt from praying with your people

Your shirt’ll be wet from crying over evil

I learned that love ain’t based on performance

Make a mistake and I will love you in the morning

I see life in my children’s eyes

And when I’m wrong I’ll be the first to apologize

Peace to all my fathers who are working through their flaws

Fulfilling their duties and they don’t do it for applause

It’s true, any fool with a tool can reproduce

But a father is that dude that’ll see it through

Forget the stereotypes lets be clear

There are good men out there we are here

Through thick and thin you know we gon hold it down

Through good or bad you know we gon stick around

How do you spell dad?

It goes L-O-V-E

How do you spell dad?

It goes L-O-V-E

How do you spell dad?

M-E- (x2)