The man you taught me to be

Lyrics

The Man You Taught Me to Be” An Original Country Song [Verse 1] I can still remember that day like yesterday, When Daddy handed me a rifle and had something to say. It was a little .243, with stories yet untold, A piece of wood and steel, but worth more than gold. He showed me how to hold it, taught me right from wrong, Taught me to be patient, taught me to be strong. Back then I thought he gave me something I could use, But I didn’t know the greatest gift was everything he knew. [Chorus] You gave me my first rifle, Daddy, A little .243. But the greatest thing you ever gave Was the man you helped me be. You taught me to stand tall, To keep my word and do what’s right. To work hard for what I believe in, And never run from a fight. And the older that I get, the more I understand, I didn’t just grow up with a father, I grew up watching a man. [Verse 2] You taught me out in the woods, where the mornings started cold, That a man’s worth isn’t measured by the trophies that he holds. It’s how he treats his family, how he stands when times get tough, How he gives more than he takes, and knows when enough is enough. I watched you through the years, through the good and through the bad, And every day I found another reason to be glad. I hope you know I’ve noticed every sacrifice you’ve made, And the kind of man you showed me how to be along the way. [Chorus] You gave me my first rifle, Daddy, A little .243. But the greatest thing you ever gave Was the man you helped me be. You taught me to stand tall, To keep my word and do what’s right. To work hard for what I believe in, And never run from a fight. And the older that I get, the more I understand, I didn’t just grow up with a father, I grew up watching a man. [Verse 3] Now I’m grown and looking back, I see things a little more clear, All those little lessons that I carried through the years. That rifle may have been my first, but it wasn’t what I found, It was the love and strength you gave me that keeps my feet on solid ground. And if somebody asks me what a real man ought to be, I won’t have to look too far for the answer that I see. I’ll point them to my daddy, the man who’s always been, The one who showed me what it means to be a man. [Bridge – Emotional Build] One day I’ll have to tell my own boy the things you taught to me, About that old .243 and what it really means. I’ll tell him his grandpa showed me how a man should live his life, How to love the ones beside you and protect them with your life. And if I can be half the man you’ve always been to me, I’ll know I’ve done something right, and I’ll have you to thank for me. [Final Chorus – Big Country Vocal] You gave me my first rifle, Daddy, A little .243. But the greatest thing you ever gave Was the man you helped me be. You taught me how to be a father, A friend, and a man of my word. And all the things you taught me, Are the greatest things I’ve learned. If I could live my life again, There’s one thing I’d never change, I’d choose you every time, Daddy, And I’d learn it all again. [Outro – Soft Acoustic Guitar] That little .243 still tells a story, Of a boy who thought he knew it all. But the greatest shot you ever made, Daddy, Was raising me to stand tall. I hope I’ve made you proud, Like you’ve always made me proud. I love you, Dad.