Honor Thy Father

[Instrumental Intro]

[Verse 1]

We're taught unconditional love

That blood is thicker than water

That a parent's world would revolve

Always around their son or their daughter

You pretended I was your own

And even believed that you loved me

But were always threatened by some

Invisible blood line that only you could see

[Verse 2]

You took advantage of an outreached hand

And twisted it to meet your every need

''Gimme time to recharge my batteries

I'll see her when she's older and I'll bounce her on my knee''

Well, listen to me, you ungrateful fool

Here comes a dose of reality

You'll go to your grave a sad and lonely man

The door is now closed on your pathetic little plan

[Pre-Chorus]

On and on and on and on it goes

It's so easy to run away with nothing in tow

[Chorus]

How can you ever sleep a wink at night

Pretending that everything is alright

And have the nerve to blame this mess on me?

Never in my life have I seen someone

So ignorant to the damage he has done

You're the rotted root in the family tree, yeah

[Verse 3]

I tried your 4-bill therapy

I tried to make amends

But nothing could lure you out of your

Selfish shell again

[Verse 4]

Expecting everyone to bow and kiss your feet

Don't you see respect is not a one-way street?

Blaming everyone for all that you've done wrong

I'll get my peace of mind when you hear this song

[Pre-Chorus]

On and on and on and on it goes

And with every passing day true colors show

[Chorus]

How can you ever sleep a wink at night

Pretending that everything is alright

And have the balls to blame this mess on me?

Never in my life have I seen someone

Oblivious to the damage he has done

You're the rotted root in the family tree, yeah

[Bridge]

Watch where you walk

Don't you dare cross the crooked step

Watch the way you talk

Don't cross the crooked step

[Interlude]

"This is a regret that you make

We just don't connect

This is a regret that you make—

I want my family back

—and there's something you take

You can't have it, I'm sorry for you, but it's too late

Mistakes like this, you don't make

Can't you see anything except in terms of how it affects you?

You make some, and they'll get to you

You don't love anybody

I gave you money, I gave you a car, I took you in—

It's not ok, son

—but don't that mean something?

A little

Do I admire people too much?

No, you should do better

That disappoints you

Goddamn regrets

You deserve to die alone for what you've done

Goddamn regrets!

Don't deny it

You cocksucker, I know you can hear me

Don't deny it

I want you to know I hate your fucking guts

The biggest regret in my life

I wish you'd fucking die

I let my love go

I'm your blood, I'm your family

Is that you?

You're not my family, not anymore

The fucking regrets

When your own flesh and blood renounces you—

What did I do?

—you have no choice but to renounce them

What did you do?"

[Instrumental Break]

[Keyboard Solo]

[Pre-Chorus: James LaBrie]

On and on and on and on it goes

Chauvinistic, heartless, selfish, cold

[Chorus: James LaBrie]

How can you ever sleep a wink at night

Pretending that everything is alright

And have the balls to blame this shit on me?

Never in my life have I seen someone

So fucking blind to the damage he has done

You're the rotted root in the family tree, yeah