1997's when I had the rude awakening that I would be a gay man all my life
Conservative tobacco town; the snickering and scornful frowns consumed my mind. I felt I'd rather die.
Tell me why I didn't have to right to grow up like those other folks. I led my life in fright.
Tell me why! I'd really like to know. I guess that's just the way the story goes.
1998 I found that music brought me harmony inside. The five string banjo set me free.
But born and bred of southern stock, I quickly saw a paradox: respect and yet intolerance for me.
Tell me why it's better not to tell, to hide my true identity and live a secret hell.
Tell me why! I'd really like to know. I guess that's just the way the story goes.
As the years go by, I find forgiveness for the ignorance that locked me in a prison of self-loathe.
And after time in foreign lands and cultural discovery, I've let go of that grudge against my home.
But still there is this question in me, scratching at my heart and gnawing at my bones. It just won't let me be. I said it just won't let me be. No it won't leave me alone.
Tell me why so many chose to fight to strip us of our dignity and simply out of spite. Tell me why! I'd really like to know. I guess that's just the way the story goes.