I’m Not My Father’s Son - Billy Porter

When I was just a kid

everything I did, was to be like him

under my skin

My father always thought,

if I was strong and fought

not like some albatross, I’d begin

to fit in

Look at me powerless and holding my breath

trying hard to repress what scared him to death

It was never easy to be his type of man

to breathe freely was not in his plan

and the best part of me

is what he wouldn’t see

I’m not my fathers son

I’m not the image of what he dreamed of

With the strength of Sparta and the patience of Job,

still couldn’t be the one

to echo what he’d done

and mirror what was not in me

So I jumped in my dreams and found an escape

maybe I went to extremes of leather and lace,

but the world seems brighter six inches off the ground

and the air seemed lighter

I was profound and I felt so proud

just to live out loud

I’m not my fathers son

I’m not the image of what he dreamed of

With the strength of Sparta and the patience of Job,

still couldn’t be the one

to echo what he’d done

and mirror what was not in me

The endless story of expectations swirling inside my mind

wore me down

I came to a realization and I finally turned around

to see

that I could just be me

(Charlie)

I’m not my fathers son

I’m not the image of what he dreamed of

(Lola)

With the strength of Sparta and the patience of Job,

(Charlie/Lola)

still couldn’t be the one

to echo what he’d done

and mirror what was not in me

(Lola)

We’re the same, Charlie boy,

you and me.