“I DID WHAT I HAD TO DO” [VERSE — controlled, bitter] You think I wanted this? Five boys, no money, a husband with no plan, and every morning someone screaming “Mom! Mom! Mom!” I made the rules. I kept the house. I kept you alive. And yes, I yelled. A lot. But somebody had to. [ARIA — building] You called me cruel. You called me crazy. You said I ruined everything. Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't. But every time you were about to fall— I was there. Every time you needed someone to blame— I was there. Every time you thought nobody cared— God help me... I cared. [CHORUS — huge] I DID WHAT I HAD TO DO! I lied when I had to. I fought when I had to. I took the blame when nobody else would. I gave up sleep. I gave up money. I gave up the woman I thought I was going to be. And you know what? I'D DO IT AGAIN! Not because I was right. Not because I was perfect. Because you were mine. [BRIDGE — suddenly quiet] And now... Look at you. You're leaving. Good. That's what I wanted. That's what I spent all those years preparing you for. So why... does it hurt so much? [FINAL CRESCENDO] Go on. Go. Make your mistakes. You don't need me anymore. And for once... I won't tell you what to do. But if the world ever gets too big— If you ever feel alone— If you ever wonder whether anyone was proud of you... You were. I was. Every damn day. I just... didn't always know how to say it. [FINAL WHISPER] Now get out of here before I start crying. ... I love you. [ORCHESTRA EXPLODES] I DID WHAT I HAD TO DO! AND I WOULD DO IT ALL AGAIN!
