Shemekia Copeland - The Talk Lyrics

I held my breath as you took your first steps
I was as proud as a mama could get
Now it's been years, you've grown tall
But I'm still worried you're gonna fall

Got to have the talk
Got to have the talk
You might do nothin' wrong
The next moment you'll be gone
Got to have the talk

Not everyone loves you or respects you're a man
There's hate in this world that we don't understand
These days you only get one mistake
So listen to me, it's your life at stake

Got to have the talk
Got to have the talk
You might do nothin' wrong
The next moment you'll be gone
Got to have the talk

Words no mama wants to say
I don't wanna lose you someday
It's as cruel as life can get
When a child seems like a threat

Got to have the talk

If you're walking down the street
Or drivin' in your car
When you get stopped
Remember who you are
And if your nerves start to crack
Whatever you do, don't talk back

Got to have the talk
Got to have the talk
You might do nothin' wrong
The next moment you'll be gone
Got to have the talk
Got to have the talk

We're talking life and death
Before it's your last breath
Got to have the talk
Got to have the talk

As sure as you're black
There's a target on your back

Got to have the talk
Got to have the talk
You only get one mistake
And your mamas heart's gon' break
Got to have the talk