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Originally written February 28, 2003

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Turn down the sun a bit
Or cover it up with a cloud
I have to shut my eyes
'Cuz the brightness is too loud

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How does a child express depression
When he hasn't learned how to name it?
How does he vent confusion
When no one taught him to tame it?

I'm sure he doesn't know what he's feeling
When his world comes crashing around him
He'll sink if he's not taught to swim
Before troubles threaten to drown him

Today, amidst the thuderous noise
of trials and persecution
Hiden within the storms of life
I heard an audible illusion

Though life was trying hard to kill us
Still, my son had something to say
"Mommy, turn down the sun a bit.
I think it's way too loud today."

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Tell Mr. Moon "Don't go to bed,"
Tell Mr. Sun to go away
I'm not ready to get up
I'd like to stay in bed today

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I held him close, wrapped tight in my arms
As tears betrayed what I felt inside
I rocked him back and forth today
As we sat and silently cried

His dad was the world, the world was his dad
He thought that the world revolved around him
So I did my best to break it gently
That his dad tried to kill himself again

Tho I veiled it in subtle words
he'd understand when he was older
Still, his heart grew heavy with hurt
And his face was visibly colder

My son said, "Daddy didn't tell the truth
when he said, 'I'll love you forever - honest!'
I guess that he doesn't want to see me again
and do all of those things he promised!"

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Make the breeze be quiet, if you can
And shush the hurting in my head
It's much too much for me to hear
Mom! The sun's too loud... my youngest son said.

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I try not to say anything bad
But then there's nothing left to say
I try to find the words to help him
But those words just get in the way

So with a message tied & caught
down deep within my throat
I tried flying without feathers or wings
I tried sailing without water or boat

I was so completely unprepared
To save a child when I couldn't save myself
You know, children say the darnedest things
And without knowing it... they help

His words were simple, and honest, and true
And explained exactly what's in my head
I think he expressed depression just fine
With the simple phrases he said...

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Chorus:
Turn down the sun a bit
Or cover it up with a cloud
I have to shut my eyes
'Cuz the brightness is too loud

Tell Mr. Moon "Don't go to bed,"
Tell Mr. Sun to go away
I'm not ready to get up
I'd like to stay in bed today

Make the breeze be quiet, if you can
And shush the hurting in my head
It's much too much for me to hear
Mom! The sun's too loud... my youngest son said.
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To my two wonderful boys
and the unfathomable strength they show,
that inner unbreakable spirit,
the kind of strength no child should have to know

Your mother loves you!
BrytEyz