Listen to Your Mom

I didn't listen to my when she taught me how to clean
And my dishes, they're waiting in the sink
I didn't listen to my mom, telling me to go to sleep
Maybe that's why I'm up everynight 'til three
Just waiting for sleep and what it brings
A break from wading through my insecurities
And I'm awake, unable to shake the little things

I didn't listen to my mom when she told me I should share
I have trouble telling anyone my fears
I'll never be the best at anything
No one will know my name
It's a silly thing, but I am still afraid
Of living a life from start to end
And then I'm missing, forgotten when I'm dead
And now, I'm wishing I heard her when she said
When she said
"Love you child, you're my own
Damn those standards, you're none of those
And you're not judged on what you make
The man you are is the boy I raised
The man you are is the boy I raised"

I didn't listen to my mom as I sunk below the ground
I didn't listen to my mom as I was buried by my doubts
I didn't listen to my mom as she tried to dig me out

But I am listening now
I've heard the words, they finally ring
And I'm sure my worth isn't balanced on one thing
It is earned, by learning from the songs my mother sings

And she sings
"Love you child, you're my own
Damn those standards, you're none of those
And you're not judged on what you make
The man you are is the boy I raised"

I didn't listen to my mom
But that's the thing when you're a kid
You don't know what you don't know when you begin
And if I've learned anything, that I could sing
That I could pass along
Be good, and listen to your mom