You better sit down kids, I'll tell you why, kids   You might not understand, kids, But give it a try, kids   Now how should I put this, I've got something to say    Your mama is staying, But I'm goin' away    No, we're not mad, kids, And it's hard to say why    Your mother and I, kids, Don't see eye to eye      Say your prayers before you go to bed    Make sure you get yourself to school on time   I know you'll do the things your mother asks   She's gonna need you most to stay in line   Keep in mind your mama's gonna need    Your help a whole lot more than she ever did before   No more fightin' over little things 'cause   I won't be here to stop them anymore      I know you don't want this, But neither do we   But sometimes things happen, That we can't foresee    So try to be calm, kids, And don't look so sad   Just cause I am leavin', I'll still be your dad   But just remember I love you, And though I'm not here    Just call if you need me, I'll always be near      Say your prayers before you go to bed    Make sure you get yourself to school on time   I know you'll do the things your mother asks   She's gonna need you most to stay in line   Keep in mind your mother's gonna need    Your help a whole lot more than she ever did before   No more fightin' over little things 'cause   I won't be here to stop them anymore      Well, I have to go now, So kiss me goodbye   My eyes are just red, kids, I'm too big to cry