DNA

Started when I was 23, actin' like my daddy
I know, I know
I recognize parts of you in me, the parts that can't find peace
My soul feels old

I made decisions to prove I was different
But you follow me like a ghost
Now I'm a little bit lit and I'm pleading the fifth
As I'm making a toast

People say I look like you
They say that I got your eyes
My mother says I'm tough like you
Even in the ways that she don't like
And I can't change it, didn't choose my blood
But I made up my mind
But I don't want to be like you
But either way, I got you in my DNA
My DNA

I try to just play pretend like I didn't fall apart again
I'm lonely, like am I the only one?
When blocking out the shame stops working
Can't you tell, can't you tell that I'm hurting?

Hold me, if you love me, come show me
Found myself down on the pavement
No matter which way that I turned, I was low
But you went before me and traveled the stories
To places I shouldn't go

People say I look like you
They say that I got your eyes
My mother says I'm tough like you
Even in the ways that she don't like
And I can't change it, didn't choose my blood
But I made up my mind
But I don't want to be like you
But either way, I got you in my DNA
My DNA
My DNA
My DNA

The t-shirt you gave me in '96
It's bleached and it's faded, but it still fits
And I know that you thought that you fucked up
'Cause I used to too, but then I grew up
Now I'm the same age you were when you had me
And I'm not ready to be anybody's daddy
You and I, we both sing the same blues
I wish that you were here so I could thank you

I know that I look like you
I see it in my own two eyes
My mother says I'm tough like you
Even in the ways I know she likes
And I'm not angry, didn't choose my blood
But I made up my mind
I know that I'm just like you
'Cause either way, I got you in my DNA
My DNA
My DNA
My DNA
My DNA