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"