The Town That Raised Me Wrong
By Carlos Gomez
Intro:
Cornfields high and values strong,
But some roots grow a little wrong.
And when you’re different, they let you know—
Even kindness has a southern low.
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Verse 1:
They taught me yes ma’am, sir, and pride,
To hold doors open and let pain slide.
But they also taught what not to be,
Like dreamin’ big or bein’ free.
They said “Don’t cry,” “Don’t act soft,”
“Don’t ever let your dreams go off.”
The girls all stayed, the boys all drank,
You either coached, fought, or robbed a bank.
They said “God loves you” with a grin,
But judged you by your shade and kin.
I learned fast what lines not to cross,
And paid the price for wantin’ more than loss.
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Hook / Chorus:
It’s the town that raised me wrong,
Taught me silence over song.
Taught me pride but not to feel,
And to hide what’s really real.
I love it still, but it did me harm—
With sweet tea hands and backhand charm.
Not all scars come from fists or thong—
Some come from towns that raise you wrong.
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Verse 2:
I left at dawn with tears uncried,
And years of rage I still can't hide.
They said I’d fail, then shut the door—
Like my sin was wantin’ more.
Now I come back for holidays,
Put flowers down and dodge old ways.
The diner still serves what I miss,
But I don’t linger after kiss.
Some folks change, most just age,
Some burn out, some burn the page.
I ain't bitter, I’m just wise—
Learned love sometimes wears a disguise.
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Hook / Chorus (Repeat):
It’s the town that raised me wrong,
Taught me silence over song.
Taught me pride but not to feel,
And to hide what’s really real.
I love it still, but it did me harm—
With sweet tea hands and backhand charm.
Not all scars come from fists or thong—
Some come from towns that raise you wrong.
________________________________________
Outro:
So I toast to growth and movin’ on,
To losin’ chains I once leaned on.
And to forgivin’ what don’t belong—
Even the town that raised me wrong
