Song: "My Son"...and the story behind the song

The song you're about to read was written seven years ago. I wrote it as a response to Natalie Merchant's magnificent song Wonder (which is her anthem on the joys of raising a daughter). My playful reasoning was that it wasn't fair that young girls alone should have an anthem like Wonder. Why can't young boys have their anthem too? Out of that playful rationale came My Son.

For those of you who don't know me. I don't have a son; in fact, no children at all (sadly, regrettably, I certainly didn't want it that way). Considering the misfortunes of my life thus far I've given up the idea of ever fathering a child. Still, I have had fleeting moments when I felt the vicarious thrill of parental joy and emotional involvement but those moments were few and far between.

I've always wanted to share this song with people but have never found the right moment or situation to do it until now.

My cousin Mark-Erik and his wife Sue gave birth to a lovely baby boy (Dante) last week. I would like to dedicate the song to him...and his parents...and to all sons everywhere. This song s for you!

My Son

Some sons are born to build bridges
And some are meant to rule kingdoms
Some sons are raised to invade countries
And some are meant to lose their freedoms

But my son will follow his vision and his wisdom
And he will be what he wants
But not what someone else wants him to be
He'll find his niche and store up riches
He'll find his wish and savor them like kisses

Some sons are raised to be broken
And some are meant to be God's chosen
Some sons are taught to commit slaughter
And some are meant to raise daughters

But my son will follow his vision and his wisdom
And he will be what he wants
But not what someone else wants him to be
He'll find his niche and store up riches
He'll find his wish and savor them like kisses

It's patience that heals
It's promise that leads
It's progress that builds
Its portents that predict
With a little faith my son will go a long way
He'll go all the way!

Some sons are born to be beaten
And some are meant to be forgotten
Some sons are taught to be healers
And some are meant to be Steelers

But my son will follow his vision and his wisdom
And he will be what he wants
But not what someone else wants him to be
He'll find his niche and store up riches
Hell find his wish and savor them like kisses

It's patience that heals
It's promise that leads
It's progress that builds
Its portens that predict
With a little faith my son will go a long way
He'll go all the way!

(c) 01/19/2000 by Matthew DiBiase