The Altogether
Newton’s First
Just existing ain’t enough
So when it comes to my own birthday
I’ll forgo the bags of stuff
For a chance to prove I’ve earned them
Just a fork, a knife, and cup
So I can eat my words and swallow all my pride
And Newton’s first mistake
Was telling me that I could drop your heart
And it would never break
Like an apple from a tree
It might get bruised but it would take
Something greater than just gravity
To crack its little walls
And if you give me twenty bars
I’ll write a hit
But give me love and I’ll mishandle it
Newton’s second son
Made his home there in the shadow
Of the handsome older one
Made an outline for a life
He could be proud of when it’s done
Made his name but kept it strictly to himself
But soon he grew too tall
For the unmoving shadow
To cover much of him at all
But the firstborn didn’t mind
‘Cause he was still best at basketball
And he reminded him most any chance he got
And you could give me peace on Earth
Complete with proof
You gave me love, but all I want’s the truth
Newton’s third date
Was with a girl he wouldn’t know he didn’t love
Till far too late
So I met him where desire merges with I-278
And he sat me down and gave me all his thoughts
He said your birthday’s coming soon
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t make some attempt
At lassoing the moon
Even though to these festivities
You say you are immune
I can’t help it, see, what else are fathers for?
So he laid me down his laws
So plain and clear
And I just sat there fighting back the tears
And he gave me all the love that I can take
It seems there’s laws that even I can’t break
Yes he gave me everything that I can take
It seems there’s love that even I can’t break