[Verse 1: Kimani]

Dear Mom

First let me just apologize

For the foolish lies and all the times that you've cried

For the times that I said things I really didn't mean

Basically for my entire existence as a teen

It's been 27 years since my birth here on the planet

And I know that at times you think I've taken you for granted

And granted, at times, I don't show my appreciation

But know, everyday I give thanks for my relation-ship with you

Even the times that I've bitched at you

For nagging me, I know that there's only love behind it

Like the time freshmen year that I came home in tears

As you whispered those words that helped to lessen my fears

You put your faith in me

You could relate to me

You gave me love when I saw the world was hating me

So now I'm giving you thanks for the thousands of hugs

And those times that you told me not to play on the rug

Because sometimes I burned my knees

I learned decrease

Maturing from a boy to man

You know my chosen plan

Is thanking you, for the love and support

Saying sorry for the pain that I caused

Thank you for all those times that you took me around the world traveling

And stirred me with hope when my world was unraveling

Helped me with bills, when my shit wasn't happening

And taught me how to stand like a man

Up on my own two

I guess I thought it a lot, but never told you

I hold you in the highest esteem

You're my inspiration

When this world is causing me frustration

I rely on the gleam in your eyes to help survive

Thank you

For being both my mom and my dad

And I'm sorry if this world ever treated you bad

If I said the wrong things, or wrote the wrong words

For the things you never had in life I know you deserve

You make me proud, I pray to God I make you the same

Spirit of the warrior, it runs strong in my vein

It's all in my name

Thank you for loving my wife

Most importantly thanks for giving me life

I love you mom



I remember (I remember)

A warm December (a warm December)

Through the cold times you nurtured us with sunshine

No need to worry no more, I think you done fine

We give thanks that we were fashioned after you're design

You're one of a kind, you're love keeps us all alive [x3]



[Verse 2: Oracle]

The year was 1576

A little young boy was put on a slave ship

How could he know that soon he would be

The most important link in my entire family tree?

Skin like burnt brass, hair like lamb's wool

Looked like young Jesus trapped in shackles

Watching his mother get tackled

By some Portuguese merchants

As she screamed out African curses and spells

Condemning them to Hell

For thinking they could sell her first born child across ocean tides

She yelled out to the people from her tribe,

"Make sure my little boy can stay alive"

‘Cause she planned to die right in front of his eyes

So the warrior spirit would forever cry

Inside his heart and soul and he'll break the mold

Of living timidly for the sake of reaching an old-

Age. That wasn't the way she was raised

She'd rather pass on this day than be a caste away

Getting hit by bare fists and leather whips

"May I feel no pain" were the only words from her lips

She gave her son a glare, that of a lioness

And began to wrestle the merchants like she was tireless

Biting, punching, kicking

Being guided by spirit and intuition

Could you imagine this vision this boy had to bear?

Trying to tear apart the chains

But it was all in vain, he just screamed her name

Over and over again

Trying to send angels of God to go and protect his mom

His voice penetrated the musty air

And cleared the atmosphere for three spirits to appear

And they hovered above his mother

The boy cried to them how much he'd love her

And he couldn't live without the hugs she gave

He'd be a slave forever

As long as they took her to a better place

His heart began to race

As he saw his mother's spirit leave her dying body with grace

And her essence shined in the presence of the divine

And she looked down at her body getting beaten at the same time

A look of disbelief was on the son's face

As his mother's spirit came over to him and gave him an embrace

The boy felt as if he was in paradise

All the other people on the ship saw bright lights

The merchants ran in fright

Calling for the captain

There was no logic to explain what had happen

All the Africans in chains started clapping

‘Cause the boy helped his mother's spirit find Heaven



I remember (I remember)

A warm December (a warm December)

Through the cold times you nurtured us with sunshine

No need to worry no more, I think you done fine

We give thanks that we were fashioned after you're design

You're one of a kind, you're love keeps us all alive

You're one of a kind, you're love keeps us all alive

You're one of a kind, you're love keeps us all alive

[x2]