MY NIGHTMARE

Verse
Quiet and loyal, no parents, I grew up on my own
They cheered my number, said the NFL would make me known
I had a real shot at the big stage and I walked away
The streets called loud, I left school to answer, couldn't stay
The drugs and the hustle ate my years until they were gone
Three kids came, and I stood outside while life went on
Your mothers closed the door, you never saw my face, just the fame
I ran harder when I should have turned, and that's mine to blame

Hook
You know my number, not my name
Say it once, and say it plain
Still here, I choose it every day
Say my name, I'm here to stay

Verse 2
I lost count of the times that I almost died
The drugs and the hustle kept me one step from the other side
They locked me up for years, the cell finally made me stand still
Out now, clean, no more hustle, and I'm here by my own will
The one reason I care to stay is you, my kids, you three
Fifteen years you've known a legend, and can't see the man in me
I feel like my own parents, but I want to stay in your sight
My heart hurts, and every morning getting up is a fight

Hook
You know my number, not my name
Say it once, and say it plain
Still here, I choose it every day
Say my name, I'm here to stay

Bridge
I never said how I dreaded waking up
Some still come, and I'm telling you the truth today
I don't want pity, just a place in your life
Whatever I missed, I'm here, I choose to stay

Hook
You know my number, not my name
Say it once, and say it plain
Still here, I choose it every day
Say my name, I'm here to stay
Outro
Call me by the name my mother gave, not the number on the wall
I'm still standing, and I'm answering when you call
Say my name when you call, and I'll be there by the door
Not the man you heard about, just your father, nothing more