[Verse 1]
As a young child
I would walk at your feet
I was so in awe
The stories you told me
The way you would hold me
I felt so small
You were the best of all
Then we watched you fall
[Verse 2]
Hard to believe
We could all be deceived
They were tender years
Choices you made
We all felt betrayed
And time stood still
But the past is done
We were very young
[Chorus]
Oh Father you've got to be strong
Oh Mother don't cry
I know that you've tried
Please be strong
Oh
[Verse 3]
Lord I was shaken
Heartsick and vacant
And filled with doubt
Trapped in a cage
I became so enraged
I would fight to get out
Were we all to blame?
I felt such shame
[Chorus]
Oh Father you've got to be strong
Oh Mother don't cry
You know that we've tried
Please be strong
Oh
[Verse 4]
Now that I'm grown
With a child of my own
I reflect on the years
The love that was lost
We all paid a cost
With a life filled with tears
Oh but I love you dear
Let us move from here
[Chorus]
Oh Father you've got to be strong
Oh Mother don't cry
You know that we've tried
Please be strong
Oh sister don't cry
You know that we've tried and tried
Family was written by Michael Been.
Family was produced by The Call & Michael Been.