[Intro: Soft Piano Solo and Vinyl Crackle] (Spoken Word, calm and respectful tone) Yeah. Joker X. This one for you, pops. I miss you. [Verse 1: Storytelling Rap, Steady Beat] You was up before the sunrise Lunch pail, tired eyes, still you’d smile wide Said, “Books first, ball later, that’s how you win” Taught me shake a man’s hand, look him in the rim. You ain’t have a lot of cash, but you paid my fees Every extra overtime just to keep that seat. At them parent-teacher nights, you was front row, clappin Said, “Learn how the world works, not just what happens.” [Chorus: Sung, Melodic, Emotional and Warm] Thank you, dad, for making me a man I’m standin where you said I can You gave me game, you gave me ground I hear your voice when I’m feelin down. Thank you, dad, for showin me the way I carry you with me every day You’re gone, but I still feel your hand Joker X, your son, your man. [Interlude: Soft Strings Melody] [Verse 2: Passionate Flow, Stronger Delivery] You showed me how to lose, how to walk away proud How to hold my tongue when the anger too loud. “Treat women like queens, treat kids like gold Never sell your soul just to fatten your fold.” You’d iron out my shirt, say, “Respect yourself” “Education ain’t just grades, it’s protectin your health.” When the homies hit the corner, you pulled me aside Said “Real strength ain’t the gun, it’s the mind inside.” [Chorus: Sung, Anthemic, Layered Harmonies] Thank you, dad, for making me a man I’m standin where you said I can You gave me game, you gave me ground I hear your voice when I’m feelin down. Thank you, dad, for showin me the way I carry you with me every day You’re gone, but I still feel your hand Joker X, your son, your man. [Bridge: Minimal Music, Deep Voice, Low Register] I still set a plate where you used to sit Talk to an empty chair like you never quit. Your watch on my wrist, your name in my skin Every right choice I make, that’s you, built in. [Crescendo: Drums Build Up, Strings Swell] (Spoken with intensity) I ain’t lost you... I’m livin you! [Guitar Solo: Emotional and Melodic] [Chorus: Grand Finale, Power Vocals] Thank you, dad, for making me a man! I’m standin where you said I can You gave me game, you gave me ground I hear your voice when I’m feelin down! Thank you, dad, for showin me the way I carry you with me every day You’re gone, but I still feel your hand Joker X, your son, your man. [Outro: Fading Piano] (Spoken softly) Love you, dad. Rest easy. (Fade to silence)
