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This song is about Terry's personal experience with his estranged father. It is a social commentary on the difficulties of family reintegration of absent African-American fathers. It received Clouzine Magazine's "Best Folk Song Award" for 2020.

lyrics

When I was five
Learned you were alive
How did you survive, Mr. Robertson

You went to jail
I knew how to spell
Why didn't you write, Mr. Robertson?

First Verse:
I was your third
Her only one
The things I've heard
That you've done
So absurd
Not one word
From you, Mr. Robertson

Hook:
You don't know me
And I (I) don't (don't) know you, Mr. Robertson

Second Intro:
Abandoned young, taken in by a coven
I'd receive unconditional lovin'
Never to be seen in the house of my brethren
Given some time, I'd be missing nothin'

Second Verse:
Was damn near grown
You tried to come back home
Your heart made of glass
My heart turned to stone
Too many years had passed
To the door you were shown
Goodbye, Mr. Robertson

Hook:
You don't know me
And I (I) don't (don't) know you, Mr. Robertson

Bridge:
I can't love
A man that I barely know
I let you go

The one absent
Is never the parent, Mr. Robertson

Outro:
Abandoned young, taken in by a coven
I'd receive unconditional lovin'
Never to be seen in the house of the brethren
Given some time, I'd be missing nothing

credits

from American Descendant of Slavery, The Album, released February 5, 2021
Written & Performed By: Terry Blade
Produced By: Ryini Beats
Track Art By: Ketut Subiyanto

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all rights reserved

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Terry Blade Chicago, Illinois

Terry Blade is a singer-songwriter. A multi-genre artist, his musical work is grounded in his experience as a black queer artist.

Since his 2020 debut, he has won more than 75 awards and nominations for his music. He has drawn comparisons to artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Macy Gray, and Antony and the Johnsons.

He was born and raised in Washington, DC, and resides in Chicago, IL. ... more

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