My dad had no schooling
I still remember, he had a huge heart
He earned a living with lots of sweat
And even so things couldn't be worse
Too little money to pay
Every bill and household expense
But God wanted to see him on the ground with his hands
Raised to the sky begging for forgiveness
I cried! My dad said good luck
With his hand on my shoulder in his deathbed
He said: Marvin, now it's just you
Crying's gonna make me suffer
And three days after he died
But I didn't even set foot in school
Mom reminded me of that all the time
And every day before the sun came up
I worked without distraction
Sometimes I think it's not gonna work
I wanted to run but wherever I am
I know damn well what he meant
Dad, I remember, don't let me forget
He said: Marvin, life is for real
And I know your fate by heart
And then one day a heavy rain came
And ruined a whole year's work
And at thirteen I felt the weight of the world
I wanted to play but I lost the bet
I worked like a mule in the fields
I'd only see meat if I stole a chicken
My dad took care of the whole family
Without noticing I followed the same path
And every night my mom prayed
God! It was in hunger's name that I stole
Ten years went by, my brothers grew up
And the angels led my mom by the hand
I cried! My dad said good luck
With her hand on my shoulder, in her deathbed
And she said: Marvin, now it's just you
Crying's gonna make me suffer
Marvin, life is for real
And I know your fate by heart