“NEXT TYME AROUND” Performed TWELVE VOCALS Written by 12Gauge858 Father & Daugher School Dance Poem turned to song (Rewritten 10/10/2026) Intro — Telephone call, faint school sounds] Twelve (speaking): "Hello, Principal Harris? This is Riley's dad. I know I'm late... I know. Listen, I wrote a song for my daughter. Is there any way you could have the DJ play it? Just one song. Please?" [Telephone clicks. A distant piano note.] [Verse 1 — Low intimate tenor, barely accompanied] By the time I walked through those doors The music wasn't playing anymore DJ rolling cables across the floor Teachers taking decorations down Little purple balloons hanging low Last few families heading home Then I saw that table by the wall And I couldn't move at all Two names written on a little card "Riley and Dad" with a purple heart One chair empty... one little girl With her head down, hiding from the world [Long breath. Piano fades.] [Verse 2 — Mostly whispered, cinematic dialogue] The principal whispered, "I'll go get her." I said, "No, ma'am... please. Allow me. I'm the one for those tears." [Footsteps. The sound of a chair moving.] "Riley... It's Dad. You okay, hun?" [Silence.] She lifted her head so slowly Tears still rolling down her cheeks "Daddy... You missed the dance. I was by myself." [An audible inhale. The father cannot answer.] Then somehow she gave me a smile Through the tears she couldn't hide "It's just a silly dance, Daddy... I still love you." [Three beats of silence. Cello enters.] [Chorus — First emotional lift, tenor trembling] Next time around... I won't be that empty chair Next time around... You'll look up and I'll be there I can't give you back this evening Can't undo what I let you down But if there's one more song in you Can I have this dance right now? Ohhh, Riley... Can Daddy have this dance right now? [Verse 3 — Blues guitar enters gently] I knelt beside that little chair Brushed a tear away beneath her eye Said, "Honey, it wasn't silly And you don't have to tell me you're alright" "I should've been here when you needed me Should've seen you spinning in that dress And I know a song can't fix tonight But there's something I need to ask" I looked back toward the DJ He was standing by the wall He gave a nod and turned the music on And I held my hand out to my girl "Riley... I wrote this one for you." [Chorus — Stronger, soulful sustained notes] Next time around... I won't be that empty chair Next time around... When you turn around, I'll be there I can't give you back those moments Can't bring everybody around But there's still music in this room And I'm here with you right now Ohhhh, Riley... Can Daddy have this dance right now? [Bridge — Almost spoken, breath catches] And there we were... Just me and my little girl Her shoes standing on top of mine Her arms reaching up around my neck And every time I tried to say I'm sorry She just held me tighter instead [Piano falls silent. A soft inhale.] I thought I'd come to give her something... But she gave me something I don't think I'll ever forget. [Final Chorus — Soaring emotional tenor, slight rasp] NEXT TIME AROUND... I WON'T BE THAT EMPTY CHAIR NEXT TIME AROUND... BEFORE THE MUSIC STARTS, I'LL BE THERE And when you walk into that ballroom You won't have to search the crowd Cause I'll already be waiting With my hand reaching out Ohhhhhh, Riley... My little girl... Next time around... [Long trembling sustained note, then silence.] [Outro — The dance is ending, soft piano] Riley (whispering): "Daddy?" Twelve: "Yeah, sweetheart?" Riley: "Can we dance again next year?" [He takes a shaky breath.] Twelve: "I'll be there before you are." [Piano resolves. A faint little laugh. End.]
