A bad twist of fate, a crying shame — 
childhood’s end, only ourselves to blame. 
All those nights together, hungry back seat moans… 
In the heat of the moment a seed was sown. 
You didn’t tell me until it was too late! 
I couldn’t tell you until it was too late. 
Why, oh why? You can’t decide the fate 
I didn’t want it! You can’t decide the fate 
of the innocent one that’s begun to grow. 
Don’t deprive a soul of the life it has to know.

So she came, the joy and the burden, 
the delicate first of the children of children.

So much to learn of love and of life! 
At least we have each other — let’s try to make it right. 
We’ll take a vow to cherish, honor and obey. 
Since we’ll be a family, that’s the only way. 
I couldn’t love you until you conceived. 
You didn’t love me until I conceived! 
Why, oh why? And now I must believe 
I had to have you, and now I must believe 
that we can grow to love with mind and heart, 
body and soul, ’til death do us part.

A child is both a joy and a burden. 
Let’s have another of the children of children. 

Part Two

So he came, the joy and the burden, 
the delicate last of the children of children.

Child to husband to father, transition swift. 
Child to wife to mother, untimely gift. 
The strain of maintaining school, career and home — 
no time to breathe, no time for me alone. 
I try so hard to give you all you need. 
You just don’t know how little I receive! 
No education could prepare for this hurt. 
Now I understand “for better or worse”…

We welcome both the joy and the burden. 
God help us raise our children, children of children.

The Children of Children

My appetite is odd and endless — 
I’m amazed at the junk I inhale. 
I just can’t seem to keep from feedin’ my face. 
My best friend is “Fudgy the Whale”! 
There’s no comfortable position, 
I can’t even reach for the phone. 
The simplest task is a pain in the ass, 
So I bitch, whine, piss and moan.

I’ve got the big belly blues again, 
so remember when the curses are flying, 
it’s because of this old belly o’ mine 
and I don’t mean nothin’ by ’em. 
Don’t forget this girl still loves you, 
in spite of what you’re puttin’ me through. 
But there’s just one thing, you horny sonofabitch: 
I wish that this could happen to you!

You wanna WHAT??

Don’t you come near me with that thing!

That’s it — you’re gettin’ fixed…

The Big Belly Blues

What about me? I’ve given all I can. 
I love you all — why can’t you understand? 
I try for all of you, but what about me? 
After I give to you, what’s left for me?

What About Me?

But oh, you push me away 
every time I draw near. 
Do you want it to be this way — 
you over there and me over here?

Love at a distance… 
I can’t live this way. 
So much resistance! 
Should I walk away?

You say you love me, 
but you never show me. 
You don’t even try 
to make me feel good, 
and when I need you, 
it’s always, “Stay away, 
don’t come too close!” 
I’m in love with a ghost. 
I can’t stand this pain! 
You leave me standing in the rain, 
you never come to me.

And oh, you push me away 
every time I draw near. 
I don’t want it to stay this way — 
you over there and me over here.

Love at a distance… 
I can’t live this way. 
Too much resistance! 
Should I walk away?

Could I walk away? 

Love At a Distance

Is there room enough for me? 
Oh God, why won’t you listen? 
Do you know what it’s like to be 
a prisoner in your own life? 
I don’t fit in at all. 
It’s not my fault, it’s how you made me. 
A simple prayer, Lord: 
give me wings, please let me fly.

You tell me it’s reality, 
that I should reason it away 
when frustration gnaws my spirit 
and the real world gets in the way. 
But even you don’t understand me 
(too much effort to take the time). 
Don’t you know I have been both a madman and dreamer 
and can’t live this kind of life?

I lie awake while you’re sleeping, 
the stain of tears upon my face. 
To this cynical world I’m grounded — 
the chains of reason lock me in place. 
It’s the taste of unknown passion: 
hoping for a day and time 
when there’s room in the world for madmen and dreamers, 
so I can live my life.

I get off work at five o’clock. 
The kids come home at three. 
Dinner’s in the microwave. 
It’s just the kids and me. 
Job two starts at six — 
I never see my kids. 
Homework, baths and into bed. 
Another joyful day can end…

Moonlighting ’til ten 
and by the time that I get home, 
my patience is a tiny nub, 
I’m weary to the bone. 
The sink is leaking, dear. 
You didn’t get my beer! 
We should embrace but fight instead. 
Another joyful day should end…

As a child I wanted to grow up, 
to finally be adult, 
drink freedom from the cup. 
Now I can’t keep up the pace. 
There has to be a place 
to get out of this race. 
Where’s the time to rest and be at ease, 
to sit in silent peace, 
to do just as I please? 
In my life the work is never done — 
all I do is run. 
There must be something wrong…

Morning comes and off we go, 
chasing the routine: 
off to work or school or home 
with other stuff between. 
She’s in the cheering line. 
He plays ball well for nine. 
Clean up, homework, then to bed. 
Another joyful day can end…

Now I’m at job number two 
(a young girl turns my head). 
The nighttime soaps will have to do 
(there’s not much in my bed). 
And when we meet at home, 
we’re better off alone — 
too exhausted to pretend. 
Another joyful day should end…

Weekends are no better, 
they are just a blur to me: 
run all over with the kids 
in high anxiety, 
and by the time we all get home, 
telemarketers are on the phone. 
Ain’t no roses in this bed. 
And now another joyful… 
And now another joyful… 
Thank God another joyful day can end!

What’s the problem here? Damned if I know! 
Put away your anger, let the love inside you show. 
What makes our hearts collide? Is it pride or is it stress? 
Must we keep on hurting just to prove who’s best?

Put down your weapons, I will not fight. 
I will not raise my hand to you, I’m your wife. 
Arms are for holding, lips for kisses in the night 
and words were meant for kindness, not to prove who is right. 
I will not fight. 
I will not fight. 
I will not fight.

Should we feed the fire or douse the cold remains? 
Desperate to put this right, it causes us such pain. 
Every day a new regret to lock down deep inside. 
We should heal our wounds together, not force them open wide.

What’s the problem here? I think I know. 
This family’s fading fast, but we won’t let it show. 
Why should we collide with him? It’s such a mess! 
We’ve decided angry silence suits us best.

Put down your weapons, we will not fight. 
There’s nothing we can do, no way to put it right. 
Our arms are folded, our lips are sealed tight. 
We’ve learned that words are useless, no matter who is right. 
I will not fight. 
I will not fight. 
I will not fight.

Nor will I love you tonight… 

We maintain our distance 
to avoid the cutting pain. 
The circling dance we do so well 
alleviates our shame. 
We stare across a silence 
so much louder than words — 
fields of broken promises, 
dreams unfulfilled.

It’s not you. It’s not me. 
It’s just not how we thought it’d be. 
Morning comes — the dream is gone. 
We wonder, “Where did we go wrong?”

Great expectations 
turn to crushing defeats. 
The cause is abandoned 
to disorderly retreat. 
The shattered lives in ruins 
that lie within our wake: 
our precious children. 
So much at stake!

Reflections of our faces in 
their storm-hollowed eyes 
whisper of a legacy 
of tears that never dry. 
How could we have done this 
to ones so little yet? 
Will they forgive 
what they can’t forget?

Rockabye baby on the treetop. 
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock. 
Something is wrong when they’re left alone 
Mommy is naughty when Daddy’s not home.

Part 2

I can’t believe you’re doing this! 
Running ’round the town, 
playing with the party boys… 
Which one o’ them is laying you down?

Why’re you running crazy? 
Why’re you running wild? 
Lately you amaze me, 
acting like a child.

Out the door when I get home, 
leaving me with the kids. 
You stagger home at daybreak, 
vodka on your lips.

I know sometimes that I’m no prize — 
used to be one in your eyes. 
It’s a bitter pill I have to eat. 
Choose, Lady, him or me!

Part 3

Daddy, where’re you going? Mommy, who’s this man? 
What does all this mean to us? Tell us if you can.

Daddy, you don’t look so good, of your smile there’s no trace. 
It’s weird to see a stranger kissing Mommy’s face.

We want to live with both of you, for you to get along. 
We don’t understand, don’t know who’s right or wrong.

We hear a lot of angry words — do you fight because of us? 
Tell us that it isn’t true our family’s breaking up!

Sorry, we can’t help it. You’ve forced us to take sides: 
boys to boys and girls to girls, to save our shattered lives.

Part 4

Rockabye baby on the treetop. 
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock. 
This house is divided, it’s falling apart. 
Mommy’s new boyfriend has stolen her heart. 

Listen to me — I can help this, put it right. 
I can hold us all together, stop the fights. 
Mom, will you stay right here 
while I go and bring Daddy near? 
Please just let me save this family!

I’m only trying to fill in the growing crack.

I’m only trying to bring our family back 
to life, to life! 
Why won’t you listen to me?

Get it together and be good, just be nice. 
Bring back the warmth and sunshine, thaw the ice. 
Mommy, what are your fears? 
Daddy, cut out the jeers! 
Why can’t you see what’s so clear to me?

We can put back all the pieces, heal the pain. 
We can say this never happened, let it fade away. 
Mom, forgive all the years.

Dad, open up your ears. 
Why can’t it be like it used to be?

It’s not you. It’s not me. 
It’s just not how we thought it’d be. 
Morning comes. The dream is gone. 
We wonder, “Where did we go wrong?”

Why won’t you listen to me?

What’d I do to cause this? Please don’t fight. 
I plunged us into madness, blinded sight. 
Mom, can you dry my tears? 
Dad, drive away my fears.Why can’t you see this is killing me?

I’m only trying to fill in the growing crack. 
I’m only trying to bring our family back 
to life, to life! 
Why won’t you listen to me? 
Please, Mommy, listen to me! 
Please, Daddy, listen to me! 
Please, someone listen to me!

Listen to Me 

I’m growing a shell 
to protect me in my private hell, 
and each layer that I apply 
causes part of me to die.

There’s no room enough for me. 
I know fitting in can’t be. 
I hurt Mom by loving Dad, 
I hurt Dad by loving Mom back… 
Do you know what it’s like to be 
a prisoner in here with me? 
It’s not my fault, but then again it is. 
Is there anything worse than this?

It’s all your fault, 
all your fault. 
I’ll make good and sure they know 
it’s all your fault, 
all your fault. 
I’ll make them believe it’s so.

I hope you’re happy. 
He’s starting to fall apart. 
How did you buy his loyalty? 
Well, he never was that smart. 
My daughter’s the bright one. 
She’ll see the truth just fine. 
She’ll see you for what you really are. 
Now it’s only a matter of time.

Now wait a minute there, 
my dear. 
That’s not fair, 
As I’m sure you know. 
You’re saying I don’t care, 
I fear. 
Don’t you dare 
Tell our kids it’s so.

Your Fault

I see the tempest churning in your eyes: 
driven confusion fueled by lies. 
I feel the burning of your anger and rage, 
the grinding burden too much for your age.

How could you know the guilt that I feel, 
the gnawing loss that I wish I could heal? 
Yet you believe that’s the way it should be. 
You see justice in my agony.

You stare in silence, a tower of rage 
just like your mother’s silent punishment cage. 
My flesh and blood, my essence you shun. 
You’ve locked your mind, the damage is done.

When they accused me, 
did you cover your ears 
and scream at them to stop 
through a shower of angry tears? 
Did you get up when it started 
and run the other way? 
Tell me, how’d you do it? 
Tell me, why did you stay?

They couldn’t make you 
look at me and say, 
“I don’t want to 
go with you today!” 
It worked with your sister. 
Where did it fail with you? 
What do you see in me 
that made it worth what you went through?

Did I deserve it? 
In many ways I failed — 
so much I didn’t do, 
so many times I paled. 
But you didn’t notice 
or hint you’ve ever seen 
that I’m merely human, 
much less than I may seem.

What can I do, what should I pray? 
How do I see beyond this day? 
Where do I stand and draw the line? 
When do I shout, “No, not this time!”, 
for all I’ve left is life?

All we had is gone, all we’ve ever known. 
You destroyed our humble home, 
no mercy shown.

God, if you’re listening, hear my cry: 
give me a reason to survive! 
Bind up my life and take me home. 
How can I make it on my own, 
when all I’ve left is life?

But wait, am I really alone if I still have my son? 
I know he’ll be counting on me in battles yet to be won. 
He’s young, and it’s my job to help him grow into a man. 
Who better than me to prepare him? 
I’m doing the best that I can. 
How could I go quietly into the night 
knowing how much it would hurt him? 
I must teach him to fight!

I may be down, but I’m not out. 
There’s a long road ahead with no room for doubt. 
I must be sure, I must be strong. 
I must endure, I must go on.

I will win this fight. 
Just look ahead: 
new hope in sight 
that shines so bright.

Bring back the warmth and sunshine, thaw the ice. 
We can forget the years! 
We can erase the tears! 
Why can’t you see what’s so clear to me?

I’m only trying to fill in the growing crack! 
I’m only trying to bring our family back 
to life, to life! 
Why won’t you listen to me?

If we don’t pick up the pieces, heal the pain 
or put this all behind us, it will remain. 
You just don’t wanna hear! 
You’ve gotta face your fears. 
Why can’t you see this is killing me?

You can’t imagine 
how it hurt me to hear 
the guilt trips and the lies, 
the pettiness and the sneers. 
But somehow I survived it, 
convinced I’d find a way 
to bring us back together. 
Don’t make me sorry I stayed!

I’m closing the shell 
that entombs me in my private hell. 
Whatever was left inside 
can wither away and die…

There’s no life here for me. 
Pierce your hearts and let them bleed. 
Have you nothing better to do 
than to run each other through? 
Do you know what it’s like to be 
a prisoner in here with me? 
It’s not my fault, though you’d say it is. 
I never dreamed it would come to this.

It’s all your fault, 
all your fault. 
In my heart of hearts I know 
it’s all your fault, 
all your fault. 
Don’t try to tell me it’s not so.

I hope you’re happy. 
He’s really falling apart. 
How did you buy his loyalty? 
Well, he never was that smart. 
I was always the bright one. 
I see the truth just fine. 
I see you for what you really are. 
It was only a matter of time.

Your mother is to blame, 
my dear. 
It’s her game, 
and it’s time you know. 
You’ll never be the same, 
I fear. 
What a shame 
You believe it’s so.

Revenge is sweet — 
I taught her well. 
Your son, in time, 
will do the same. 
Until we meet 
again in hell, 
the pleasure’s mine 
to cause you pain.

Your Fault (Reprise)

The days slip by in welcome sameness. 
I can’t ask for more than this. 
Although this life isn’t painless, 
it’s good enough such as it is…

We two get along pretty well, 
and most days his mood is good. 
He does the best he can with his mother’s friend, 
to his sister the guy’s very good. 
I like what I see around me now, 
though not without some regret. 
The cost to get here was far from free — 
the damage we’ll never forget.

The days slip by in welcome sameness. 
I can’t ask for more than this. 
Although this life isn’t painless, 
it’s good enough such as it is…

Sometimes at night when the house is still, 
I’ll go down to my desk in the den 
and write happy endings or poetry. 
What a difference between now and then! 
These days are okay, but it’s sad in a way 
what it took to lead up to this. 
At times I doubted I’d see this day. 
I’m thankful for such as it is.

Such As It Is

Lord, who is this 
delightful creature 
you have placed in front of me? 
An ounce of pepper, 
a pound of fire, 
tender affection just for me… 
Please, I beg you, teach me how 
to love her the way she needs — 
with an open hand, 
an unpossessing heart. 
Help me germinate the seed.

She is not to be captured, 
a trophy or a prize, 
no conquest from a distant shore. 
She, like me, 
is an eagle and a dove 
whose only limit is the sky 
that she must soar.

Please remind me 
not to bind her, 
for if I love her, 
untethered she must go. 
And if I encourage the sky, 
for a time she may fly, 
but I know she’ll be back 
forevermore.

Eagle and Dove

Tell me, tell me, 
just what do you want? 
Are you after my heart? 
Whatcha gonna do if I fall for you, 
break me down, 
tear my world apart?

Tell me, tell me, 
what’s going on? 
What are we doing here? 
I don’t wanna make another mistake… 
Will my hopes be filled 
or impaled upon the stake?

Tell me, tell me, 
what’s it gonna be? 
What is it gonna be? 
Are you gonna be just another one, 
are you gonna be just another one, 
are you gonna be just another one 
to run me through, 
to hold the smoking gun?

Tell Me

I’m wide awake tonight, 
but living in a dream. 
Never thought you’d be here. 
Do you know how much this means? 
When you came to me this evening, 
I felt I was at last alive. 
Do you know how much I love you, 
how you’ve touched me deep inside?

The first time I saw your face 
my eyes began to open, 
the child in my soul 
seeing for the first time. 
A sudden rush of longing, 
a glimpse of how my life could be… 
My life was nothing 
next to the life you’ve given me.

Now that we’re together, 
vowed never to depart, 
we’ll remain as one forever 
in a union of the heart. 
When you look, I’ll always be there. 
Reach out, you’ll find my hand. 
You will know how much I love you — 
I will make you understand.

When I look into your face, 
my eyes finally open, 
the child in my soul 
gazes into paradise. 
A sudden rush of longing, 
satisfied by your love for me… 
My life was nothing 
next to the life you’ve given me.

The Life You’ve Given Me

And as for me, the shell 
that I so carefully applied 
is finally wearing thin, 
sunlight filters in. 
I don’t need so much to hide.

I still talk with Mom 
she’s forgiven me for leaving, 
but won’t take any fault — 
blaming Dad is far too easy. 
My sister holds a grudge 
instead of leaving it behind. 
If she’d only budge, 
it sure would ease my father’s mind.

But as for me, the shell 
that I so carefully applied 
is finally wearing thin, 
sunlight filters in. 
I don’t need so much to hide.

And As For Me

Where are you now? 
Who’ve you become? 
I wouldn’t know 
but for my son…

When you were very young, 
I promised I’d always be there. 
It killed me when your mom 
made you believe that I didn’t care! 
How could you turn your back on your father 
after all I had done for you? 
How can you face yourself in the mirror 
knowing everything you put me through?

Where are you now? 
Still feel the same? 
Happy to be 
rid of my name?

I’ve made many mistakes, 
some that I hope you never repeat. 
I have so much to say, 
but somehow I doubt we’ll ever meet. 
I must accept the fact that I’ve lost you — 
I was never meant to have it all. 
You’ll soon find out what life will cost you 
if I can’t prevent your taking my fall.

Where are you now, 
my little girl? 
Wish I could shield 
you from the world… 
Where are you now?

Where Are You Now?

Daddy, can we talk? 
It’s not too late to listen 
to your side of all we’ve lost, 
to your pain-inflicted wisdom. 
Daddy, can we talk? 
Forgive me what I’ve done. 
Let’s take a little walk 
and say what’s done is done.

Don’t know what I expected — 
I froze when you opened the door. 
The pain in your face reflected 
the scars from that long-ago war. 
Daddy, please don’t shut me out! 
I came ’cause I have to know 
your side of what it was all about. 
Then, if you want, I’ll turn and go.

There’s a whirlwind going ’round 
in my mind. Why am I driven 
to come to you and find 
the piece I’m not sure is missing? 
What is this empty place 
in my heart? I can’t remember 
what’s driven us apart. 
How much of it was my mother?

I’ve got a family now. 
Would you like to come and meet them? 
What I think I’ve found 
is some peace and a touch of freedom. 
I’m not sure where to start — 
It’s been a long, long time. 
I hope you know your part, 
’cause I sure don’t know mine…

Daddy/Baby, can we talk? 
It’s not too late to listen 
to your side of all we’ve lost, 
to your pain-inflicted wisdom. 
Daddy/Baby, can we talk? 
Forgive me what I’ve done. 
Let’s take a little walk 
and say what’s done is done.

Daddy/Baby, can we talk? 
Daddy/Baby, can we talk?

So there’s room enough for me! 
I didn’t know you listened. 
I no longer have to be 
a prisoner in my own life. 
I fit in after all — 
there’s nothing wrong with how you made me. 
An answered prayer, Lord: 
You gave me wings, now I can fly. 
I can fly! 
I can fly! 
I can fly!

Daddy Can We Talk?