When I was about ten yrs of age, there was two classes of people
in my hometown, I was from the WSOTT's. I crossed those tracks
when change was starting in Frederick, I can say I helped to make
that change in Frederick by being so bold and to thank God for my
talent on the stage. I got noticed and liked. Here is my story...
FROM THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS
There are those who are close to me
Mentors, family and friends know and accept me
I have told my friends the secrets in and out of my life
Yet, I'm from the wrong side of the tracks.
To brave the tracks, I crossed over in pride
Alone, barefooted and naked to the soul was I
Stares, whispers and a Quackery's shunning was hard to bare
All this because I'm from the wrong side of the tracks.
Born at the foot of Braddock Mountain was I
The fifties generated a baby boom with two classes
Patrick Street is where I walked amongst unfriendly eyes
Still, I'm from the wrong side of the tracks
Saying goodbye is not what I want to do
All my friends know about who and what I stand for
I've been cruised at, pushed around, teased and taunted
All because I'm from the wrong side of the tracks
Then an eye became friendly at a party one night
He and I talked for hours, our secrets were concealed
Soon he became my buddy, the tables were turned over night
And still, I from the wrong side of the tracks
I have long since pity-partied myself out
There are many who would give their shirts of their backs
This Native Son worked hard to stand tall in this town that is my home
Some still say, I'm from the wrong side of the tracks
God gave me talent, performing on the stage
I felt proud of being an Indian, now Free to be me
Who I am and what I am doesn't seem to matter much anymore
Can't forget, that I'm from the wrong side of the tracks
Years do fly and the times did change
The Weinberg Center for the Performing Arts, was my home
A devoted circle of friends and I, worked hard to restore our Theater
No longer was I from the wrong side of the tracks
Soon it became time for me to travel afar
Memories of Frederick will linger in my heart and soul
Theater, Movies and Television treated me with respect for who I am
Not because I was from the wrong side of the tracks...
by Richard Lee Cook
Copyright 2011
An SILVERFEATHER Creation
