Dad

[Intro] (Slow, resonant acoustic guitar picking. The sound of a distant, low-humming engine that fades into the music.) [Verse 1] I’m sixty-five and feeling the strain Finding the rhythm of an old man’s pain Five years gone, for me it’s been thirty-five Just us two, I’m the one left alive I keep my grudge deep in my rusted chest Today my anger’s tired, and it needs to rest. [Verse 2] A man of grease, of grit, and a heavy, calloused hand Throwing me in the deep end to see if I could stand You taught me to sail, to use a simple tool To think a problem through, never be a fool Lost in the engine, a smile on your face How happy you were when the parts fell in place [Chorus] So I’m sending out this song across the Great Divide To the man I wouldn't talk to, to the man I couldn't find You did a lot of wrong, but you did some right too And I’m having a hard time hating what’s left of you May the engines all run flawless where you’re sleeping now I’m letting go of the anchor, I’m turning the bow. [Verse 3] Your grandkids grew up, they never knew your name I kept that door locked, sheltered the blame You missed the better half of the life I made While I sat in the dark of a thirty-year shade The machine don't care about the years it didn't run It just waits for the spark and gets the work done. [Bridge] [Emotional Build] Tough as the iron, hard as steel I’m wondering now, how the silence feels Is it quiet in the ground? Is it peaceful in the dirt? Do you finally rest after all that hurt? [Chorus] So I’m sending out this song across the Great Divide To the man I wouldn't talk to, to the man I couldn't find You did a lot of wrong, but you did some right too And I’m having a hard time hating what’s left of you May the engines all run flawless where you’re sleeping now I’m letting go of the anchor, I’m turning the bow. [Outro] [Slow Fade] Rest easy dad, The waters are calm, I’m letting go of this hurt So we can move on. [End]