The story I'm about to tell you is one that usually goes untold.
It's about little boys and girls, and it always takes its toll.
It happens way too often, from Flat Rock to L.A.
Think before you speak, and watch what you say.
I know we all get frustrated, and pitch our little fits.
But if we knew the damage, we'd somehow keep our wits.
When we're around little ones, there's got to be a way.
Think before you speak, and watch what you say.
I've wasted so many years, wondering if he was right.
All my life I've tried to forget, but it never leaves my mind.
When I was a little boy, my aunt would come and pick me up.
She would come and get me, in her pickup truck.
I'd always love to help, but I tried to stay out of the way.
Think before you speak, and watch what you say.
I remember lying there in bed, trying to go to sleep.
Her old man would come home and say things, he was such a creep.
I'd just lay there and listen, and cry till the light of day. Think before you speak, and watch what you say.
I've wasted so many years, wondering if he was right. All my life I've tried to forget, but it never leaves my mind. He said I'd never amount to nothing, wasn't worth the salt that went in my bread.
That my momma been better off, if I'd been born dead. I hope that he's listening, because that's not the way. Think before you speak, and watch what you say. Think before you speak, Still water runs deep.