Father and Son
Album: demo
By: Jimmy Dan
By: Jimmy Dan
Duration
4:13
Genres
Description
This song is about what happens when you teach children to hate. The song is about the father and son, "Sovereign Citizens," who were stopped by West Memphis police for speeding. The 16-year-old son shot and killed both police officers. My daughter, Liz, and I recorded this song in one take. Liz added extraordinarily beautiful harmony after hearing the song only once.
Lyrics
Father and Son Jim Dannemiller Houston, TX; May 23, 2011 Oh father, dear father What did you teach me What was it I learned While I was there on your knee Oh son, dear son You learned to look down On those who look different With skin black or brown Oh father, dear father Why did you teach me That all of their laws Just made us less free Oh son, my son I taught you to hate So you too could teach this Before it's too late [CHORUS 1] I was but a child My mind open wide I would have done anything To be by your side I soaked up your words I remember them still Oh father, dear father For your love I would kill Oh father, dear father Now I'm afraid The police are behind us The piper needs pay Oh Joseph, dear Joseph You don't have to fear They made a mistake We'll walk away clear Then Joseph, dear Joseph Stepped into the light He pointed his rifle And looked through the sight He fired and fired And when he was done Two cops lie dead On that cold empty ground [CHORUS 2] I was but a child My mind open wide You poured in the hate You filled me with lies You killed off this tree You poisoned my roots Oh father, dear father Behold your bitter fruit
