When the World's at Stake

At first I didn't want it

Her daddy, well, we didn't fit

But I couldn't swing it

I was scared to do it alone

Seventeen and pregnant

Not what I had in mind

Her daddy was a farmer

But not the wealthy kind

I wanted to be a dancer

But not the kind that did for pay

Who was this new person

That was getting in my way

I could've walked out, left her for dead

Cut her up with my own hands

But something in me, was kicking and screamin' to live

When the world's at stake

And there lives to save

And even though I shake my hands at God I pray

Let her have a better life than I can provide

Lord have mercy on my soul

As I try to do her right

It took a long long time to understand God's plan for me

He threw me down the river, beat my flush in Kankakee

By the time my water broke, I was deep in my own debt

But when I saw her face, It was easy to forget

I knew I had to get her away

Take her to where my debt was paid

A new beginning, a place I'd never been and never sinned

When the world's at stake

All your dreams they change

And every step you take

Is for another's sake

And even if she grows to hate me

I wont change my course of heart

Lord have mercy on my soul

If we ever grow apart

You think that I resent her very being

That maybe I regret her ever needing

A mother

Is it wrong that I enjoy to right her

I may be rash and over protecting

Not bitter

I suppose I could be softer

I can do better, hold you closer

I'm learnin' that as I grow older

I'm not one to forgive

When the world's at stake

You give your life away

And it feels so great

To watch the one you save

Be the most adoring person

Your mom has ever known

Lord have mercy on my soul

And let my dreams be all her own!

When my world's at stake