The Baby
Eternal Bond: A Son's Journey Through Love and Loss
Lyrics
My brothers said that I was rotten to the core
Brothers criticize the speaker, implying a flawed nature.
I was the youngest child, so I got by with more
Being the youngest, the speaker enjoyed leniency and privileges.
I guess she was tired by the time I came along, she'd laugh until she cried
His mother, fatigued but joyful, laughed abundantly when he arrived.
I could do no wrong. She would always save me, because I was her baby
Mother protected the speaker, considering him faultless, her "baby."
I worked a factory in Ohio, a shrimp boat in the bayou
Various jobs – a factory worker, a shrimp boat laborer, and a truck driver.
I drove a truck in Birmingham
Worked on a shrimp boat in the bayou.
Turned 21 in Cincinnati, I called home to mom and daddy
Celebrated his 21st birthday in Cincinnati and informed parents of his adulthood.
I said your boy is now a man
Asserting maturity, he tells his mom he's now a man.
She said I don't care if your 80, you'll always be my baby
Mother insists he'll always be her baby, regardless of age.
She loved that photograph of our whole family
Mother cherishes a family photo, singling out each member proudly.
She'd always point us out for all her friends to see
She highlights family members' achievements to friends.
That's Greg he's doing great, he really loves his job
Updates on Greg's success and Ronny's family life are shared.
And Ronny with his to kids, how 'bout that wife he's got
One person is described as crazy, but that one is the speaker, her baby.
And that one's kind of crazy, but that one's my baby
[No specific information in this line]
I got a call in Alabama said come on home to Louisiana
Urgent call to return home to Louisiana from Alabama.
And come as fast as you can fly
Mother needs him urgently, possibly facing a critical situation.
'Cause your mama really needs you, and says she's gotta see you
Emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need to see him.
She might not make it through the night
Concerns about her survival through the night are expressed.
The whole way I drove 80 so she could see her baby
He rushes home at high speed for his mother.
She looked like she'd been sleepin'
Upon arrival, his mother appears at peace, as if asleep.
And my family had been weeping by the time that I got to her side
Family has been mourning, indicating a difficult time.
And I knew that she'd been take and my heart it was breakin'
Realization that she's gone, causing immense heartbreak.
I never got to say goodbye
Regret for not saying goodbye to his mother.
I softly kissed that lady and cried just like a baby
The speaker expresses grief, kissing his departed mother.
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