I want to tell you a story so that you can understand
What it's like to be growing older and need a helping hand

Well, my bones are all achy and my visions gone bad

I need an electric blanket and a high-speed heating pad.

My hand is kind of shaky and my hearing's not good
I'm slowing down a lot and I'd hurry if I could

Now my thyroid's too low and the sugar's too high
My cholesterol and pressure is just shooting to the sky

So I'm taking lots of pills to keep me healthy each day
But it costs me lots of money on my small retirement pay.

My hairs a little thinning but I've thickened in the waist
And I'm walking with a walker since my knee has been replaced.

And while I have some trouble sleeping when I get into my bed
I can fall asleep while reading and forget everything I've read.

And though my memory's kind of short and it's gone a little hazy
If I don't remember lots of things, don't think I've gone crazy.

And w hen I lose another good old friend, it makes me really sad.
But when you treat me like a helpless child, it makes me really mad.

Remember when you deal with me, there's not much I expect
Just a little honest caring and some well-earned self-respect.

So the next time that you see me, please try to keep in mind
That what you see on the outside isn't really me inside.

And though my time is not long and my decline's pretty steady,
Remember I'm not gone yet, and I swear I'm still not ready.

Chorus:

Admire me, inspire me, don't fire me or retire me.
Amuse me, excuse me, don't confuse me or abuse me
Expect me, inspect me, don't disrespect or neglect me
Believe me, relieve me, don't aggrieve me or deceive me

Admire me, inspire me, don't fire me or retire me.
Amuse me, excuse me, don't confuse me or abuse me
Expect me, inspect me, don't disrespect or neglect me
Believe me, relieve me, don't aggrieve me or deceive me

Performed by "Chyldren of the Cross"

(Carla McKnight and Charles "Chase" Phillips)

Rap Written and Video Directed by Peggy Smith

Recorded at Mirror Image Sound Studio, Gainesville, FL

Video by Breath of Life Video Productions, Gainesville, FL

Rap Beat #46 by John Bass/ http://www.freerapbeats.com/

Copyright UF-GEC, 2003