You see, when I have an opinion, I’m shot down

When I say what I'd like to say, I’m not supposed to

When I feel comfortable and prepared to get into a possible good debate with you, it’s not okay

And I ask you why

And you say, “Because I said so.

“Because I’m tired of you talking to me this away.”

When I've been told to quit mumbling and to say what I mean out loud,

My pleas of opinions and facts are turned to the sole fact that you are my parent

And that kids should listen just because of that

But why?

 

You see, if I were someone around your age and not related, you'd listen

If I were talking about someone else, you'd understand

But if I gain the courage to go out and say what I feel to you,

Then why does it turn into something that doesn't matter just because I'm a kid?

 

Why is your voice the only voice that actually means something?

I'm not trying to be disrespectful

I appreciate all you've done for me

But even the people you feed have voices to use when it isn't eating

And I want to use it on what I feel matters

And what I think I should say shouldn’t be blocked because I don't have the card that says I'm an adult yet

 

Why can't you listen to what I have to say for once?

How come I'm silenced from what I want to tell you because you have the right of a parent to say, “Hush up and listen to me!”

If I'm showing maturity by not whining, crying, and saying, “Oh, my God. Would you just LISTEN TO ME”

Then can I be mature enough to show why you should hear me out?

 

I don't want to be just right, I want to talk

I want you to give me a real reason why rather than, “Because I said so”

I'd rather be shot down for a good legitimate answer

I want you to tell me how I am wrong and acknowledge how I am right

 

If you believe I should grow up, then speak to me like you're trying to show me how to talk in the real world

If anyone mentions how they are mature for their age, you know they aren't

And I know I'm not mature at all, but if we sat down and talked about something serious and possibly meaningful,

Then I'd know to ready when it comes to things like this later in life

And I'd rather have you as a contributing person for me becoming what I want to be and not just a crash-test dummy for possible failure