The dad you chose to be

Lyrics

Verse 1 I was young and I was angry, Had some hurt I couldn’t name. Every time you tried to guide me, I swore you were in my way. You were teaching me about living, I was too hard-headed to see— You were trying to be the father You never had to be. Pre-Chorus I wish I’d listened a little closer, Wish I’d understood back then— You weren’t trying to control me, You were trying to raise a man. Chorus If I knew then what I know now, I’d have heard every word you said. All those lessons I kept fighting Were trying to lead me down a better road. You stood there when you could’ve walked away, Gave me more than I could see. I never said it like I should have— Thank you for being The dad you chose to be. Verse 2 Now I’m older and I look back At the things you tried to do. All the rules I thought were punishment Were love I never knew. Every time you made me face it, Every time you told me, “Son, stand tall,” You were trying to build a better man While I was building up a wall. Pre-Chorus And I wonder where I’d be now If I’d listened way back then. Maybe some roads I had to walk down Would’ve never pulled me in. Chorus If I knew then what I know now, I’d have heard every word you said. All those lessons I kept fighting Were trying to lead me down a better road. You stood there when you could’ve walked away, Gave me more than I could see. I never said it like I should have— Thank you for being The dad you chose to be. Bridge I can’t go back and change that boy, Can’t undo the things he did. But I finally understand the man Who never gave up on that kid. Blood may be what makes you family, But love is what makes you stay— And you kept showing up for me When walking out was the easy way. Final Chorus Now I know what you were doing, Now I hear what you were saying. You saw something worth believing in When all I saw was someone in my way. And I may not be the man yet That you always hoped I’d be— But whatever good I carry now, You helped put inside of me. So if I never said it clearly, There’s something you deserve to hear— Thank you for the years you gave me, For every time you stayed right here. You didn’t owe me anything, Still you gave your best to me. Thank you for trying to be my dad… When you never had to be.