[Verse 1] We brought you home in a cardboard box I was just a baby, you slept by my socks Mama said, "He’ll watch you grow" Guess she didn’t know how fast time goes You chased my boots down the gravel drive Dirt on your nose, we were both alive Every birthday, every busted knee You were right there, waiting on me [Chorus] You were my best friend on four legs Beat-up tail and muddy legs From crib-side naps to that school bus gate You’d sit and you’d wait, you’d sit and you’d wait Now there’s an empty yard and a quiet porch swing I call your name but it don’t mean a thing Never knew how hard goodbye could sting Best friend on four legs, lost in the tire tracks of spring [Verse 2] I still see you in that fishing hat I tied with string, it kept falling back You’d steal my socks, I’d steal your bed We shared one pillow for our heads Twelve years old, thought I knew pain Until that day out on the lane Heard that screech, then Daddy ran I dropped my bike, couldn’t feel my hands [Chorus] You were my best friend on four legs Beat-up tail and muddy legs From crib-side naps to that school bus gate You’d sit and you’d wait, you’d sit and you’d wait Now there’s an empty yard and a quiet porch swing I call your name but it don’t mean a thing Never knew how hard goodbye could sting Best friend on four legs, lost in the tire tracks of spring [Bridge] There’s a collar on a nail by the kitchen door Little teeth marks in my bedroom floor Every scar I got, you saw it first Every good day, every worst (oh) Some nights I swear I hear your paws Soft little taps down the hallboards I close my eyes, you’re next to me Twelve-year-old kid, dog at his feet [Chorus] You were my best friend on four legs Beat-up tail and muddy legs From crib-side naps to that school bus gate You’d sit and you’d wait, you’d sit and you’d wait Now I’m standin’ here in this empty yard Holdin’ back tears, my voice all scarred Guess loving you was worth this broken heart Best friend on four legs You were my best friend on four legs
