Today my mommy taught me
how to tie my shoes
Today my mommy taught me
that life's not win or lose

Today my daddy struck me
with the back of his hand
Today my daddy told me
that I shouldn't pretend

Today I held my mommy's hand
when i walked to school with her
Today my mommy smiled at me
when i met my new teacher

Today my daddy drank a lot
and scared me half to death
Today my daddy swore at me
and I could smell his whiskey breath

Today I kissed the new boy
and then I told my mom
She showed her teeth so brightly
and told me I was growing up

Today I got a boyfriend
and then my dad found out
He threw a plate at me
and then began to shout

Today I got my diploma
And I thought my mom was proud
Today I looked for her
But she wasn't in the crowd

And then I remembered Dad
When he told me not to lie
And then I remembered Mom
And how 13 years today she died

So I'll just do what Mommy taught me
And calm and count to ten
And I'll try not to cry too much
Because I know I'll see her again