Tough Love. A Tribute To Hard Love, By Bob Franke

I remember being little and my mother held my hand,

giving me the courage to step up and take a stand,

because I knew that if I fell I would have the softest place to land,

because my mother knew the softer side of Tough Love.

And my daddy made me brave, made me stubborn, made me strong,

He taught me it takes power to admit it when your wrong,

and when I feel his strength, I am right where I belong,

Because where he is I know I will find Tough Love.

I remember when you came to me, I was stumbling in the dark,

but you lit up my existence, in the darkness you're a spark,

It would have been too easy to just let you break my heart,

But the only love I had to give was Tough Love.

Then I found out that I stole you, I was such a pretty thief,

and I sat there in the darkness, anticipating grief,

but much to my surprise, I only felt relief,

I have never been so grateful for Tough Love.

But I loved you for your humor, and your perfect lack of shame,

I loved the way you touched me, and the way you said my name,

And maybe it is true, all men really are the same,

and I already know too much about Tough Love.

And I still can't help but see you, even though I know your past,

But you said you never lied, and I guess I never asked,

I count up every new sin, and then forgive the last,
because no one really knows the rules to Tough Love.

I know I should walk away, yes I know it cant be right,

I just cant lay down my sword, no I cannot help but fight,
And I cant help but see your face when I close my eyes at night,
because there is nothing in this world that hurts like Tough Love.

I won't tell you how I loved you, if you ask me I would lie,

I won't admit how much it pleased me to wake up by your side,
or how much I would give, just to call you mine,
because my love will not be wasted, even though its Tough Love.

Yes, its Tough Love, but it is the only love I know,

The only love that I can give is a love I'll never show,
So I'll forget I ever loved you, as I watch you turn and go,
because I know that loving me is really Tough, Love.