I Earned It, Damn It
My education.
What I've dreamed of from day one.
What you've dreamed of since before that.
What I'm going out to grab and never release.
You've always told everyone I would get out of my home
You saw how horrible it was and you decided that an education was the answer
An education from wherever, as long as I was out of there
You decided to give me $100 just for graduating high school
"Why," I thought, "do I get money for doing what's expected?"
But I realized the money wasn't for high school. It was for college.
You told everyone who would listen about your great-granddaughter
How you wanted so much for her since she went through so much
Not one full year before I graduated, I got a call
"She's gone. She fell ill and she couldn't pull through."
It didn't feel real at the time, I didn't know what to think
But you won't be here to see me graduate.
Graduation day came, and I picked up my diploma
As I get flowers, I also get a card. From you.
I opened it, and out fell $100.
You gave it away for safekeeping when you got really sick
At that crucial time, I was actually on your mind.
I feel so shocked you were thinking of me
I read the card and broke into tears
It had all of the things you always said.
You wanted so much for me and let me tell you
If you could see me now you'd be smiling
I did it. I got into university and I'm leaving home
Guess what? I'm using your money on the luggage to take me away
I promise I will do what you always thought I could
Get an education.
I earned it, damn it.