For nowadays I have seen that I am a broken man
In an over enthusiastic manner I do what I can
To put together people I feel are in need of a repair,
I take on the task of turning them away from despair.

A broken man steeped in the game of co-dependence,
I am nothing without those friends I support and mend.
Where would my usefulness be if their woes were absent
I see my worth only in what other people really want.

I have a deep-seated need for approval from others
I behave almost like their overpowering mother
My self-worth depends on what others think about me
Really how pathetic is that is something I can now see.

My habit of taking on more work to earn praise or lighten
A loved one’s uncalled for or unasked for heavy burden
I apologize or take on blame in order to keep the peace
Where is my pride is it hiding nearby anybody, please?

Guilt or anxiety when doing something for myself wrecks my heart
And doing things I don’t really want to do, simply doing my part
to make others happy, and never finding out if it really works
Idealizing partners or other loved ones, often makes them go beserk.

Why do I maintain relationships that leave me unfulfilled, not stirred
Is it because of my overwhelming fear of rejection or abandonment
It rules my life to the point where even I can see it is beyond absurd,
Thus are the real worries and unfortunate thoughts of a co-dependent.