[Verse 1] I held him in the hospital light Tiny fists and a brand new cry His mama slept, I watched him breathe And felt the world lean hard on me I said, "Boy, I'll do my best" With his little head on my chest [Verse 2] First steps crossed that kitchen floor He tumbled down, got up for more Scraped up knees and dirty jeans He'd run right back to where I'd been I learned right there, with all thats true A man grows best when he learns the rules [Chorus] Like father, like son Hand in hand, day one Learn to fall, learn to stand Take the world with a steady hand Like father, like son What I gave, he made his own Like father, like son A good man's more than blood and bone [Verse 3] He followed me down to the creek How to wait, how to watch, how to keep A hook baited and a line held still A bucket full from a patient will I showed him wrenches, pliers, nails How to build when your own strength fails [Verse 4] I shook his hand when he turned a teen Said, "Look me in the eye, son" A man's word oughta weigh a ton And if you're wrong, you say it plain No shame in carrying a little blame He nodded once, then looked away Like boys do with nothing to say And tuck it away for another day [Pre-Chorus] Then came those teenage storms Closed doors and torn-up words He wanted road, he wanted wind I had to let him test his skin I bit my tongue, let him learn Some lessons take time, not just a turn. [Chorus] Like father, like son Hand in hand, day one Learn to fall, learn to stand Take the world with a steady hand Like father, like son What I gave, he made his own Like father, like son A good man's more than blood and bone [Bridge] He broke his heart on a Friday night Tried to act like he'd be alright Came home quiet, jaw set tight I set the coffee, let him sit Didn't ask for all the bits Just said, "Son, you'll live through this Even though there are things you'll miss" He stared at the table, as if to say "Yes, sir," and then he was on his way. [Final Chorus] Like father, like son Hand in hand, day one Learn to fall, learn to stand Take the world with a steady hand Like father, like son What I gave, he made his own Like father, like son A good man's more than blood and bone
