Be proud

Case,


Becoming a man is a long, sometimes difficult process. You'll find that it's rarely easy, and you'll spend your share of time wondering why you are the way you are (apologies in advance for my particular influence in such introspection). But, at some point, you will wake up and look in the mirror, and looking back will be a fully formed man -- of strong opinions and serious convictions -- who, despite his all-too-human faults, believes in himself. When that day comes, what you see won't be perfect, and it won't be without blame. But it will be you. In all your glory. When you finally see yourself, son, be proud.


Don't try to fend off your instincts and senses
No need to mend those artificial fences
Stand up real straight and walk tall
If they don't like it
Well, they don't matter much at all

Don't pretend to be the person you are not
Do not defend the quirks that you have got
Be your own man and have your say
If they don't like it
Well, you don't need 'em anyway

Plenty of people in this world
who will tell you how to act
what to do and what to say
even dress as a matter of fact
Sometimes it seems you'll never win
But remember you're the only one
who has to be comfortable in your skin

You don't care when they're staring
but you never cared to dance
You don't waste time on phonies,
never give them half a chance
You're measured in your dealings
but you'll sing a song out loud
You're happy in your element
Of all these things be proud

Plenty of people in this world 
who will want to change your ways
where to walk and when to talk
even how you choose to spend your days
Sometimes it feels like fighting no more
But remember the face in the mirror
is the only one you answer for

You don't believe in fiction
and you play it by the book
You're not about to suffer fools
who don't deserve a second look
You're the center of attention
but yet you hide in crowds
You're finding peace in solitude
Of all these things be proud

You're impatient in the moment
but in no hurry to commit
You have no use for arrogants,
the pompous and half-wits
You're open to the future
but maybe not as you once vowed
You're not afraid to be yourself
Of all these things be proud

Don't try to fend off your instincts and senses
No need to mend those artificial fences
Stand up real straight and walk tall
If they don't like it
Well, they don't matter much at all

Don't pretend to be the person you are not
Do not defend the quirks that you have got
Be your own man and have your say
If they don't like it
Well, you don't need 'em anyway

Plenty of people in this world
who assume they know it all
why you drink and how you think
even those whose names you care to call
Sometimes you ask why you wear these scars
But when it's all said and done
ain't nothin' wrong with who you are


Love,
Dad