I was sure enough to come
I was dumb enough to stay
But all the secrets of my soul
Weren't enough to keep me home
Weren't enough to keep me straight

And all the people I have known
Never meant to let me down
But human nature's got a mind of its own
And I'm inclined to just drop it like a stone

Like a little girl walking
In an older woman's shoes
I can hear my father talking, saying
'Rose, never learn to sing the blues'

So won't you take me by the hand?
Won't you lead me somewhere safe?
Because all the secrets of my soul
Aren't enough to keep me whole
Are enough to make me break

Like a little girl walking
In an older woman's shoes
I can hear my father talking, saying
'Rose, never learn to sing the blues'

It's my time, it's your time
See it's alright and as perfect
As it's going to be
Oh, you're my friend
(You've always been)
Rushing in like a wave of memory

Of a little girl walking in an older woman's shoes
I can hear my father talking, saying
'Rose, never learn to sing the blues'
I can hear my daddy talking, saying
'Rose, never learn to sing the blues'