Daughter, I know that smile
I've worn it many times
The one that says,"I'm fine"
when you've had a heavy night
You answer every call
You never want to say no
You carry everybody's bags
then wonder why you're walking slow
I know
I did it too
Thought being good
meant giving till you're empty
Daughter, save some for yourself
Not every hand needs all your help
Give what you can
but keep enough
for mornings when the road gets rough
Daughter, save some for yourself
You don't have to carry everyone else
A loving heart can still say no
and love them just the same
There'll be people who only call
when something has gone wrong
They'll tell you you're the strongest
so you'll keep holding on
But strong doesn't mean
you never get tired
And kind doesn't mean
you always agree
Sometimes the kindest word
you can give yourself
is simply
Not today
Daughter, save some for yourself
Your time is yours
your dreams as well
Don't give away every Sunday
then wonder where your years have gone
Keep an afternoon
with nowhere you have to be
Buy the dress you like
Wear your hair the way you want
Order what you came for
Don't change it because somebody talks
And if somebody leaves
because you finally drew a line
Let them
A door that only stays open
when you're hurting
isn't much of a door
I spent years saying
"Whatever you want"
"Anywhere is fine"
"Don't worry about me"
Then one morning
I couldn't remember
what I wanted anymore
So daughter
when somebody asks
"What do you want?"
Don't look around the room
before you answer
Daughter, save some for yourself
A little peace
a little rest
A little dream
with your own name on it
A little life
you didn't live for someone else
Love them well
Love them true
But daughter
leave a little love
for you
