[Verse 1] I used to carry you from the car When you'd fall asleep at night. Your head would rest against my shoulder, Little arms would hold me tight. I'd kick the front door shut behind me, Walk the hallway soft and slow, Lay you underneath the blankets, Kiss your head and turn to go. I must've done it a hundred times. Never counted them at all. But I don't remember the last one. The last time you were that small. [Chorus] I DON'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I CARRIED YOU TO BED. I DIDN'T KNOW TO HOLD YOU LONGER. DIDN'T KNOW THOSE DAYS WOULD END. THERE WAS NO BELL. NO LAST GOODBYE. NO WARNING TIME WAS ON ITS WAY. I WAS SO BUSY WATCHING YOU GROW— I NEVER SAW THOSE MOMENTS SLIP AWAY. [Verse 2] There was always one more story. One more glass of water, Dad. One more monster in the closet. One more dream that scared you bad. You would reach your hand up for me Every time we crossed the street. Your little fingers wrapped around mine, Certain I'd keep you safe with me. Then somewhere in those ordinary days, Without a word or warning sign, You stopped reaching up to take my hand. I don't remember the last time. [Chorus] I DON'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME YOU REACHED FOR ME THAT WAY. I DIDN'T KNOW TO HOLD ON TIGHTER. THOUGHT WE'D DO IT EVERY DAY. THERE WAS NO BELL. NO LAST GOODBYE. NO WARNING TIME WAS ON ITS WAY. I WAS SO BUSY WATCHING YOU GROW— I NEVER SAW THOSE MOMENTS SLIP AWAY. [Verse 3] Shoes beside the door got bigger. Sleeves got shorter every year. Your voice changed while I was listening. Childhood slowly disappeared. You learned to make your own damn breakfast. Learned to fix things on your own. Every little step toward freedom Was a step away from home. And every bit of independence Was exactly what I'd prayed. So why does watching you become yourself Feel like watching something fade? [Bridge] If I'd known the final piggyback Was the last one we would take, I'd have walked around the block once more For one more memory to make. If I'd known the final bedtime story, I'd have read each page more slow. If I'd known the last time you said, Carry me, I'd have hated letting go. But maybe we're not meant to know it. Maybe that's the way it goes. Childhood doesn't slam the door behind it. It just quietly lets go. [Final Chorus] I DON'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I CARRIED YOU TO BED. BUT I REMEMBER ALL THE NIGHTS BEFORE, AND EVERY WORD WE SAID. THERE WAS NO BELL. NO LAST GOODBYE. AND NOW I KNOW THAT'S OKAY. I WASN'T RAISING YOU TO STAY SMALL— I WAS RAISING YOU TO FIND YOUR WAY. SO KEEP GROWING. KEEP ON GOING. BECOME WHO YOU'RE MEANT TO BE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO NEED MY HAND NOW TO KNOW YOU'VE STILL GOT ME. AND IF SOMEDAY YOU HAVE CHILDREN AND THEY REACH THEIR ARMS TO YOU, HOLD THEM JUST A LITTLE LONGER— YOU WON'T KNOW WHEN THE LAST ONE'S THROUGH. [Outro] Someday you'll be taller than me. You'll have your own road to follow. And that's exactly what I wanted. Even if I didn't know How much I'd miss the little things I thought would last forever. Those little shoes beside the door. That sleepy head against my shoulder. That hand reaching up for mine. No matter how old you get— I'll remember when you were small.
