put me in a cage
make me call it home
make me say i like it
make me say my grace...to you,
my lord, my saint
owner of my freedom
director of my fate
maker of my decisions
make me stay in line
when i start to wander
put me in my place
threaten, curse, and kick
cajole, caress, inflict
safety on my psyche
protection on my person
eligibility on my existence
in this time and place
then treat me like i don't belong
step on my toes
knock me to my knees
burden me with proof
make me beg to be part of you
then tell me i'm invalid
and question my every loyalty
you keep saying this is freedom
as you drain my heart of every dream
if i love your children more than you,
how can your lines define me?