Man Enough To Cry

I grew up in a day when men were tough and mean and strong.
They used a belt for discipline, to teach us right from wrong.
Dad told me it's important that I always stand my ground.
Don’t dare show fear or weakness, they'll only bring you down.

Dad revealed that men should learn to drink and smoke and swear,
And stay out all night long at times, playing cards without a care.
He did his best to give me things, but just what he could buy.
But mom, she always taught me to be man enough to cry.

I played ball with my brother; dad, he never had the time.
He judged, but never taught me to be fair and draw the line.
The day came when I stepped up to the plate, the game in tow,
Yes, dad was there to squash me - I struck out, head hung low.

Soon I'd end up walking in the footsteps of the man,
Who showed me how to hate myself and fight, not understand.
Character was slippery, I learned to cheat and fight and lie,
But mom, she always taught me to be man enough to cry.

I found myself grown up but always striving to mature,
Drugs and drink seduced me, they seemed the only cure.
Until one day I looked up to a Father who could heal.
He gave me all His heart, the ways of love He did reveal.

You see, my earthly father taught ways of living like a man,
But when it came to love, well, he just didn’t understand.
He said, "Son, stand up tall and look me squarely in the eye,"
But mom, she always taught me to be man enough to cry.

Today, I have the chance to bring this cycle to an end,
As I am now a father, upon me my kids depend,
To be a solid model and a man that they can trust
One who says "I love you" and can snuggle - that’s a must!

I now know fear and worry are not signs of someone weak,
Instead, when they’re confronted, they allow a man to peak.
Forgiveness, love and honor, thank the good Lord in the sky,
That mom had always taught me to be man enough to cry.