I Was Working...

[Verse 1] I leave before the house settles down,,, Keys in my hand.... I don’t like the sound.... Your shoes by the door still tied the wrong way,,, I said I’d teach you — just not today.... The fridge hums low like it knows I’m gone,,, Crayon paper curling where your name was drawn.... You made me taller than I ever been.... Tape peeling loose — on the edge again.... Another morning gone... Without a sound.... [Slow build up, then Chorus] I was working when you learned to ride,,, Someone else ran next to you!!! Holding the side........... I was working when your voice went thin,,, Heard it later.... Through a phone I wasn’t in.......... I was stacking hours I can’t give back.... Calling it love.... Calling it fact.... If you ever ask why I wasn’t there,,,,, Just know every minute away,,,,....... I hope you understand,,,,.... that I care...... [Small instrumental, then Verse 2] Your backpack’s heavier — not from weight,,,,, From things you carry.... Without complaint.... You talk like time’s already tight,,, Like waiting taught you.... How to be polite.... Your drawings turned into dates and lines.... Your questions learned.... To stay inside....,, You don’t ask me if I’ll come around,,, You already know.... You look right at me, without a sound....,,,, [Slow build up, then Chorus] I was working when you lost your tooth,,, Wrapped in a napkin.... Sitting with proof....,,,, I was working when you needed me,,, You said “it’s fine”!!!,,,, That stayed with me.... I was building something safe and still.... With hands that missed.... What mattered most.... If you grow up thinking I chose the rest,,, Please know I chose you — Just wanted.... what was best.......,,, .......................... [[[[[[Small instrumental break]]]]]]]] .......................... [[[Bridge] (spoken / near whisper)]] One day you won’t reach for my hand....,,,, One day you won’t run to me,,,, when I stand.... I’ll have all the time.... I begged life for.... With no small shoes.... On the kitchen floor.... If I could steal back one ordinary week,,, I’d trade every check.... Just to hear you speak.... [Powerful, Final Chorus] I was working — that’s the truth and the blame,,, Trying to stretch myself.... I know nothing will ever be the same.....,, I missed the seconds.... That don’t repeat.... While thinking tomorrow.... Was guaranteed.... If you ever wonder where I was then,,, I was carrying you.... In worn-down hands.... Every night I didn’t tuck you in,,, I loved you loud!!! I just know I would never do this again.....,,, .......................... [[[[[[Small instrumental break]]]]]]]] .......................... [Slow, Sad, Outro] Someday you’ll leave.... I’ll stay right here.... In a quiet house.... Reminiscing of the years....,,, If I did one thing right,,, When it’s said and done....,, I hope you remember —,,, I never stopped....,,, Being your dad....,,, I'm sorry.....,,, I wasn’t there....