I couldn't say to you what I'd really like to--
This morning I woke up with an aching head,
My arm had three bruises instead of one--
You are my teacher, but who am I to you?

You gave me homework to do for last night--
I laid in bed hungry and my stomach growled,
My ripped backpack was never even opened--
Those things don't have a part in my grade, right?

I held the paper you gave back with a giant, red 68--
I couldn't study for the test the night before,
My mom reeked of alcohol before she passed out--
You say, "There are no excuses for failing at this rate."

I couldn't say to you what I'd really like to--
My comes in drunk and very angry,
He beats me and puts his hands on my mom--
I can't say these things... will you?