before I was afraid of you

I was kidnapped by your memory
and it took me for a ride
back to the days of childhood
and every tear I did not cry
and it drove me back 
to show me something
I forgot I knew
before I was afraid of you

your memory took the back roads
as it drove me through the past
to the sound of unbound laughter
I thought would always last
running around 
on solid ground
but in your arms I flew
before I was afraid of you

but every child grows older
quicker than was planned
and it eventually comes time
to make the boy a man
I recall only glimpses
of the affection you withdrew
before I was afraid of you

I don't remember much
and perhaps I'm better off
but sometimes small memories come
and I recall a father's love
you did what you thought was right
but, oh, the price we paid
we never knew
before I was afraid 
before I was afraid of you