My mother had a brother They say that I was born on the day that he died Someone to cling to, she said When all the noises and the shame came calling My mother had a brother I thought I knew them all, I thought I knew But she lied I said, “Show me his face again, tell me again why he died” She said he couldn't wait for the things that I've seen She said he wasn't strong enough, he never dared to dream a life like mine My mother had a brother Over-sensitive and kind Seems it all became too much for him.. It seems he took his own life Mum, I can't imagine the joy and pain in equal measure Tears in the dirt, and all over your newborn treasure I guess he had to wait until my momma had me I guess he couldn't wait another moment to be free In endless sky.. But mama will you tell him from your boy The times they changed I guess the world was getting warmer And we got stronger Mother will you tell him about my joy I live each day for him The sun came out, yeah, and I'm just breathing it in (breathing) My mother had a brother Same desire, different time Seems the empty spaces tortured him Until he took his own life I don't know why I waited so long for love I just don't know what I was thinking of.. All that wasted time But mama will you tell him from your boy The times they changed I guess the world was getting warmer While we got stronger Mother will you tell him about my joy I live each day with him Your son came out, yeah, And I'm still breathing it in And I swear now that freedom is here I'm gonna taste it all for you boy I'm bad to the bone, I'm just a little torn I'm making so much love So those of us who have nothing to fear We've got to make damn sure that it was worth it I'm bad to the bone, I'm just a little stoned I'm making so much love I was a prisoner, but he saved me Broke into my dreams and said, “Who cares?” I was a prisoner, so disgrace me I'm glad to be home And I don't believe they care.