Just A Shadow

[Verse 1] Seven days a week at the mine Working to the bone, saving every dime Built a roof, filled the fridge Gave them all I never had [Verse 2] But I missed their birthdays, I missed their songs Watched the years just roll along I told myself someday I’d make it right But time don’t wait when you work all night [Pre-Chorus] Now one’s packed and gone Another’s college-bound at dawn I still got my youngest and my wife But where’d I lose the rest of life? [Chorus] I watched them rise while I stood still They carry a strength I never will But I hear their news from their mother’s mouth ’Cause why call Dad—he was never around I’m drowning in the memories I never made I gave them dresses, gave them light Gave them dreams to chase at night Gave them all but time with me Just a shadow they didn’t see [Bridge] No calls, no texts, no “Hey, I’m fine” Just echoes down a telephone line “She’s doing great,” their mama said And I just nodded, hung my head [Verse 3] I gave them dresses without the mud A life without the coal and blood But I never gave the time they craved Just a name lost in a working grave [Final Chorus] I watched them rise while I stood still They carry a strength I never will But I hear their news from their mother’s mouth ’Cause why call Dad—he was never around I’m drowning in the memories I never made I gave them dresses, they gave me light Gave them dreams to chase at night Gave them all but time with me Just a shadow they didn’t see Just a shadow they didn’t see… just a shadow they didn’t see…