You told me: I should put the rapier down
You sent away my mentor, didn't like the talk 'round town
You told me: don't let songs go to my head
I should settle down and work an honest job instead.

Can you fault my curiosity? You sent me out forewarned
But I was just an adolescent girl in Esterport
All I wanted was to see and hear and smell and touch and taste
I didn't want to be mundane. I wanted to be great.

Remember when we spoke? You told me: "Best if you leave,"
Three short years that seem so long: I couldn't believe
That you would send me packing, freshly out of my chains
Burning-drowning my way out of being enslaved

Now I have a brother that I might never meet
I only ever saw him once with you on the street
I don't know his name- I don't know what he likes
'cause papa, three years ago, you told me goodbye.

Papa, you were right: 'cause fame comes with a price.
Papa, you were right that it was all about my pride.
Papa, you were right, because I've died, died, died.
Papa, you were right-
Papa, you were right.

I guess I wasn't meant to be your mercantile heir
Dressing up and fighting duels and primping my hair
The danger I invite would mean you'd never be safe
That's why, loving you, I chose to burn your surname

I've found a family who named me something bold and new
Who taught me how to rise up high by starting from the roots
I've shed my blood and we're as one, they lift me toward the skies:
A queen who slew a fearsome group of Manu with her pipes

These days, my fortunes grow from fame
Even being selfless, I've still more than made my name
I've died, my reward is worth the cost
Now that you've bid me adieu, I've never felt less lost

And I know: can't have my life both ways
But part of me still wonders, what if you had let me stay?
Would I be even half the Voice I am today?
An honest job, an honest life, by following your way?

But no-

Papa, you were right: my fame came with a price.
Papa, you were right: I've long outgrown my pride.
Papa, you were right: songs are nothing like a life.
Papa, tell my mother and my brother...

Goodbye.

Penned by my hand on Falsday, the 24th of Dharos, in the year 8 AC.