Yeah, this is a letter to my baby girl
When you're old enough to understand this, yeah
Hey Nala, this is a message from your father (please listen)
I just wanted to tell you a few things before life gets a little harder
And I can no longer protect you in this armor (I hope you understand)
I had to write this letter to you, baby girl
Some things you need to know before you step into this crazy world (it's crazy)
And trust me, you're gonna have a lot of questions (loads)
You've got a lot of blessings, but you need a lot of lessons (a lot)
Fake love is a disguise, don't let it be your demise, aight?
So here's how you move around it (move around it)
When you tell your friends good news, are they calm and cool about it? (huh)
Or are they over the moon about it?
'Cause sometimes your closest ain't really riding with you (trust)
And you gotta watch them if they ain't excited as you (gotta watch them)
And don't think it can't happen 'cause it's someone you hug (yeah)
'Cause that knife in the back can be from someone you love (scary)
Who does things for you for nothing in return (who?)
And you know who's always showing concern (who?)
Who's always sending love to you? Who's always checking up on you? (a real one)
And when you cry, who's always there to comfort you? That's your friend (trust)
And make sure the love you get, you give to them (please)
'Cause I don't want you to turn out as the bitter friend (never)
Forgiving and forgetting was the worst advice (worst)
Don't give anyone a chance to hurt you twice (trust)
Forgive, but please never forget (never)
'Cause they'll take advantage, and you'll never get the respect (facts)
Never break the trust of someone that cares
Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair (that's the reason)
And one day you'll fall in love, so I'll tell you this best
Baby, please know your worth and never settle for less (never)
Only if they value you, got big plans for you
And never let them put their hands on you (I'll kill him)
You won't ever have to rely on another man (never)
Anything you want, you know your papa can (I've got it)
I'll teach you how to be a boss so that you understand (boss)
So a man can't impress you with no rubber bands (no)
You know your daddy's always here, baby girl
If you ever cry, you know I'll wipe your tears, baby girl
Everybody falls down, don't be scared, baby girl
I'll pick you up and put that crown back on your head, baby girl
You know your daddy's always here, baby girl
If you ever cry, you know I'll wipe your tears, baby girl
Everybody falls down, don't be scared, baby girl
I'll pick you up and put that crown back on your head, baby girl (yeah)
And no matter what, I'll always be grateful to your mother
I'll forever show gratitude (true)
I watched your mom crying in pain when she carried you
So bear that in mind before you give her any attitude (ha, ha, ha)
If I ain't around by the time you understand this (you understand this)
I just want you to understand this (understand this)
I love you way more than my words explain (that's crazy)
When you were born, my entire purpose changed (changed)
I would've bought the maddest cars and had me swerving lanes
Instead, I bought a couple houses for you just to firm the rain (I've got you)
Or if life does 2020 again
So just know, when your dad's got you, you've got things to fall back on (trust)
And make sure the business grows so we can pass it on to you
Then one day, you can pass it on too (yeah, for real)
Keep it in the family, control how we live
One day, you'll realize how important this is (you will)
I want you to remember this when you're stressing (trust)
Trust me, you'll make mistakes, but use 'em as lessons (facts)
I know you can't go back and change the beginning
But you can start again now and change the ending (yeah)
Nala, it's never too late (never), so please don't ever think this (please)
One minute, it was rags, the next minute, it was riches (facts)
Doing well with something you love will take persistence
And if they hold you back, princess, love them from a distance (please)
You had an uncle, Blaine, I wish you could've met him (Cad)
He's the one who taught me this very last lesson
If you're on bad terms with someone you love, message them
'Cause you don't really know how much time you got left with them (you don't)
Anyway, before I go, I wanna say this (yeah)
I've had so many gifts from friends that have been amazing (true)
But the gift of having you, Nala, was the greatest
I just hope I'm still here when you can play this, I love you
You know your daddy's always here, baby girl
If you ever cry, you know I'll wipe your tears, baby girl
Everybody falls down, don't be scared, baby girl
I'll pick you up and put that crown back on your head, baby girl
