Issues

There's confusion in the air like mist rising from a steady stream.
The road ahead of me is dark, curving and forked in the middle.
This chair is rocking back and forth, with uneasy legs supporting it.
What do I do, where do I go, how do I get there?

The "American Dream" presses down on us all,
suffocating us like oppression; beating us down, day after day.
It's a shame Willy Loman had to set the example -
Not everything goes as planned.

So here I sit uneasily, thinking and drafting, redrafting and scratching
out all these things that aren't for me.
According to my family, I was supposed to be the teacher,
totally successful, happy, rich and vibrant.

You don't go from rags to riches, not in today's world.
I don't know what I want to be. I know I don't want to teach anymore.
Since I was little, I've wanted to decorate houses and rooms,
make places and people shine. I've also wanted to sell things.

Unlike Willy, it's in my blood; I could sell a piece of paper and make millions.
I can turn "F-ugly" into "Marvellous!" I just don't think I can teach...
I've wanted to go to college for the longest time.
It's always in the back of my mind.

Parents are frustrating, life is hard, stress is astounding.
Although I'm an adult, they still control my life and it's choking me;
swelling in the back of my throat and suffocating me.
Please just let me go to college!

You've put it in my head, everyone has, that I'll be selling myself short.
You're filling me with doubt, fear and worry.
If you want university so bad, go yourself!
It breaks my heart to know you're not supporting me in this.

I've worked hard, took all advanced courses, it's just not for me.
I hate how you can't see eye to eye with me on this issue.
You're letting the American Dream consume you.
Just let me be happy.

If I move away, I move away.
If I leave you behind, we'll meet again.
If I cry myself to sleep over my mistakes,
I've got to learn from them and move on.

I'm not trying to hurt your feelings,
I'm just trying to end my confusion, my pain, and face my fears.
You all need to understand that this is life,
and clearly,
things don't always go as planned.