I'll teach you how to cry

he knew the ways of the world
he knew the street had its own laws
if you asked him why his life unfurled
He'd tell you "just because"
just because he trusted no one
his own counsel is what he kept
he always had one eyes open
even when he slept

          and when he had his first male child
          he already had a plan
          he would not grow up mild
          he'd grow up to be a man
          I'll teach you how to cry
          I'll teach you how to cry

it wasn't that he didn't love him
the boy born of his seed
he was always thinking of him
but the boy was of a gentler breed
and that just would not do
in a world so cruel and greedy
you gotta teach a thing or two
to make sure no one is needy

          and when he had his first son
          he did not understand
          and his childhood he passed along
          with a leather belt
          and an open hand
          I'll teach you how to cry
          I'll teach you how to cry

when children grow up afraid
it screws them up inside
they retreat inside themselves
but there's no place to hide
he felt he taught the best he could
with movement of hand and arm
but it's true
inside his heart
he never meant any harm

          when he had his firstborn boy
          the seed he was uprooting
          his son was his pride and joy
          but fear was his undoing
          I'll teach you how to cry
          I'll teach you how to cry
          I'll teach you how to cry
          I'll teach you how to cry