I’ll Cry When the Work Is Done

Alarm goes off before the sun, Same old race I didn’t run. Boots by the door, coffee cold, Another day doing what needs done.

Kids still sleeping, lights still low, Bills on the table I already know. I take a breath, straighten up — No one’s asking, but I show up.

I feel it all, just not right now, There’s still work on the ground.

I’ll cry when the work is done, When the lights go down. When everyone I love is safe, And I finally sit down. I don’t ignore it, I don’t run — I just hold it till I’m done. Yeah, I’ll cry when the work is done.

People say, “Man, take some time,” Like time don’t cost more than money. But mouths get fed, roofs stay tight, ’Cause somebody keeps it running.

I carry things I never say, Not ’cause I’m strong — just ’cause I stay. Some nights I feel it hit real hard, But morning comes and deals the cards.

I don’t pretend it doesn’t hurt, I just finish what I started first.

I’ll cry when the work is done, When the noise fades out. When I don’t have to be the one Holding everything up. I don’t bury it, I don’t run — I just wait till I’m done. Yeah, I’ll cry when the work is done.

I ain’t made of stone. I just got people counting on me.

Strength ain’t never been about pride, It’s about who you don’t leave behind. And love don’t always look like rest — Sometimes it looks like giving your best.

I’ll cry when the work is done, When the house is quiet and still. When I know I gave everything I had to give — I will. Till then I stand, till then I run, Till the long day finally comes. Yeah, I’ll cry when the work is done.

Find this song on YouTube